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SATCHEL SERIES, No. 31. 




PRICE 20 CENTS 

/TT' 




New Books and New Editions 

Just published by 

W. B. SMITH & CO.', 

[Established 1873.] 


RELIGION AND PHILOSOPHY. 

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By Rev. Wm. I. Gidl, A.M $2.00. 

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Descriptive Catalogue Mailed Free. 


Ethel’S 



BY 


E. W. LEGGETT. 



W. B. SMITH & 00., 


27 Bond Sti{Ep:t, 


✓ 






I 

CorTRIGKT, 1881. 

By \V. B. Smith & Co., New York. 

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 


\ 


t 


-6 





> 

.y 
> 5 


ETHEL’S PERPLEXITY. 


CHAPTER 1. 

Ethel Wishes was in trouble, serious trouble, and she 
had no mother, into whose willing ear she could pour the 
history of her perplexities. 

She was seated in her own room, her head buried in 
her hands, thinking over the events of the evening, for a 
grand party had been given to honor her twentieth birth- 
day, and she had been so desirous to have every one enjoy 
themselves, and the excitement was such great fun, that 
when young De la Eue, asked her in such a lovely way if 
she would marry him, she answered yes, almost before she 
knew what she was saying. 

Later in the evening when she was in the dark part of 
the piazza with Clarence Raymond, and he stole his arm 
around her waist, and asked her the same question, why, 
she did not exactly mean to do it, yet, somehow the yes 
slipped out, in despite of her. 

She had not had a chance to say another word to either 
during the balance of the evening, until they bade her 
good night, and then the pressure of the hand and glance 
of the eye was all that opportunity allowed. 

Now, she was by herself and the excitement of the even- 
ing was all gone. The dreadful position in which she was 
placed moved her first to tears, then she became so fright- 
ened they dried on her cheeks. Unconsciously she ap- 
proached the glass, and commenced taking down her hair. 


4 


ETHEL’S PERPLEXITY. 


Her face was oval, and rather pleasant in expression and at 
first glance one would incline to call it handsome, by a closer 
look, pretty ; and when one examined into details he would 
be surprised at his former opinion of such a plain girl. 
Her main beauty was perfect health. She had large sleepy 
eyes, good teeth enclosed within a voluptuous mouth, a full 
chin and a fat slightly retrousse nose. As she steps back 
from the dressing-table the long glass shows her figure to 
be plump, and her height to be medium. 

She threw herself 'on the bed in a flood of tears, and 
gave voice to her woe as follows, Oh dear ! oh dear, why 
was I such a fool ? What do I care for either of the crea- 
tures, and what shall I say to them to-morrow ? Suppose 
they both call at the same time, there will surely be a duel. 
If it had been Loraine it would not be so bad, but he only 
makes fun of me. Oh dear ! oh dear,” and here followed 
another effusion of tears, gradually subsiding into sobs, and 
in a short time the sufferer was comforted by falling asleep, 
dressed as she was. 

It was broad daylight when she awoke and with the 
awakening, came the consciousness that something must be 
done to extricate herself from these engagements. There 
was no friend of her own sex she could go to for advice and 
the one person who had sometimes come to her assistance 
when in trouble, had always in some way exacted such high 
compensation for his service, she was fearful of again ex- 
posing her weakness. So Ethel went down to breakfast 
with a heavy heart, and heavy eyes, and when her guardian 
Mr. Page, rallied her on the disastrous effect of last night’s 
dissipation, she had hard work to keep back the tears, and 
answer indifferently. 

About eleven o’clock the bell rung. Oh, how her heart 
beat, for she thought it was one of the young men to whom 
she had said yes. 

She heard the servant coming up stairs, and when a 
knock was heard at her door, the throbbing of her heart was 


ETEEL’8 PERPLEXITY. 


5 


so yiolent, it was with difficulty she could say ^^Oome in.” 
Trembling she took the card, and to her unspeakable relief 
read ‘‘Loraine Stedman.” 

Telling the servant to say she would be down in a mo- 
ment, she arose to do what every woman under like circum- 
stances would do, viz., give a slight touch to her hair, and 
adjust to a nicety her neck-ribbon. While doing this she 
had resolved to confess her trouble to Loraine, and ask his 
assistance. She knew it would give him still greater power 
over her, but reasoned it was better to have one master 
than two. She hesitated a moment with her hand on the 
door of her room, and something whispered in her con- 
science, she would be lost if she acted as she proposed, but 
she hated to think, and — Loraine always saved her that 
trouble, and summoning resolution she opened the door, 
and went down stairs. 

The young man, who rose to receive her, was at least 
six years her senior, he was tall, well looking, with black 
hair and eyes. 

There was a look of dissipation about him and he seldom 
looked one full in the face. 

“Good morning Miss Ethel” he said familiarly taking 
both the young lady’s hands. “ I must apologize for calling 
thus early, but as I had been of some service on past occa- 
sions after ordinary parties, I thought perhaps after such a 
field day as last night, you might want a friend.” 

Ethel turned her head away and replied, “ What makes 
you think so ? ” 

“ Merely because when I went to school, I was taught 
one, and one, made two.” 

This chance shot made Ethel blush scarlet, which Lo- 
raine although not apparently looking at her, was quick to 
perceive. And he continued rising as he did so. “ Well if 
I can be of no service. I’ll be off, and let you rest for you 
look tired.” 

“ Oh don’t go yet,” said Ethel, “ I didn’t say you could 


6 


ETHEL’S PERPLEXITY. 


do nothing. What a lovely chain that is ! ’’ (here she ex- 
amined his watch-guard). 

“Yes,” he replied, “I am convinced of it, for you have 
told me of it ten times already. Is that all you have to 
say ? ” 

“ No, not exactly,” said, Ethel. “ Do sit down a few 
moments ; why didn’t you speak, or dance with me last 
night. I think you were very rude ? ” 

“ Oh ! I prefer a Ute-a-Ute like this, besides you had 
your hands full.” 

“ Loraine Stedman, you never spoke a truer word. I did 
have my hands full, and if you will only assist me to empty 
them, why if I have anything — ” 

Here he interrupted by saying “ That I do not possess 
already you are welcome to it.” 

“No, I did not mean to say that — but I fear it is the 
truth.” 

“ Very well,” said the young man in a tone tinged with 
a little sarcasm, which by the way was lost on Ethel. “ The 
terms of payment being ratified, let us hear the contract.” 

It took Ethel some time, before she could find words to 
express her perplexities, but like a skilful angler, Loraine 
landed her secret high and dry on the shore, and at his 
dictation, two letters were written by her, of the same tenor, 
but worded differently : one being addressed to Eugene Dc 
la Rue, the other to Clarence Raymond. These Loraine 
agreed to mail at once. And ere he left the parlor placed 
his arm around Ethel’s plump waist, and in a cool collected 
sort of way, gave her a kiss as a seal on the contract. 


ETHEL’S PERPLEXITY. 


7 


CHAPTEK 11. 

Eugene De la Eue went home from the party, tread- 
ing on air f he was, or thought himself deeply in love, and 
had the satisfaction of knowing he possessed the object of 
his affection. He did not make his engagement known to 
his family next morning, for somehow the opportunity did 
not occur, and he reserved the information, to be imparted 
to his mother on his return from' business in the evening. 
It so happened he was very busy all day, and it was later 
than usual, before he returned, so he had no opportunity of 
seeing his mother alone, before dinner ; — but went directly 
up to his room ; here he found a note, addressed in a lady’s 
hand lying on the table. What a thump there was at his 
heart, for he recognized the handwriting, and he tore the 
envelope open with nervous haste, and read as follows : 

After you left last night, and I came to think over our 
conversation, it struck me we were carrying the joke a lit- 
tle too far, so I resolved to write you the first thing this 
morning, and tell you so. I feel convinced you did not 
mean what you said, and I am sure there was no truth in 
my response. So like good children, let us forgive each 
other, and be good friends, and promise never, no never to 
do so again.” Ethel Wisnek.” 

This precious document, was not headed or dated, but 
such as it was, De la Kue forced himself by a great elfort, 
to read it over again slowly, and carefully. “ The heart- 
less wretch,” he finally hissed out of his closed teeth, and 
then he continued, “but there is something more than 


8 


ETHEL’S PERPLEXITY. 


appears in the letter. A woman’s hand wrote these words, 
but a man’s head composed it. Thank Heaven for giving 
me a fit object for my revenge.” And the young man 
walked up and down his room. Suddenly he stopped. 
“ Could it be ? but no, that is impossible ; yet she went out 
on the piazza with him ; he shall tell me, I will see him at 
once.” And he commenced to array himself for the street. 
Then telling the servant, who at this moment knocked at 
the door, to ask if he was coming down to dinner, to inform 
his mother he had already dined, and was obliged to go out 
at once on business of importance, he followed her down 
stairs, and in a moment was in the street. 

Clarence Eaymond was rather short in stature, had light 
hair and mustache, the latter l)f very sparse growth, a large 
nose, large mouth, large hands and feet. He was possessed 
of some means and followed no occupation save that of 
finding amusement. When he returned from the party, 
he was at a loss to understand how he had been led into 
the declaration he had made, the putting his arm around 
a pretty girl’s waist, was natural enough, but as he ex- 
pressed it. What the d — 1 prompted him to commit himself, 
he couldn’t imagine. “ The idea of my tying myself to one 
woman’s apron string, why you know the thing is absurd.” 
It fairly caused him to mop his forehead, although it was 
cold weather. He was so disturbed, that late as it was he 
stopped at his club, and finding a few choice spirits still 
there, he was induced to take a hand in a game of cards then 
in progress, and to change the current of his thoughts, he 
drank deeply, something unusual with him, and he threw 
down his stakes with a recklessness that would have ap- 
palled him if his brain had not been addled by the liquor. 
In a short time he was carried to bed, minus a goodly sum. 
He did not wake until late, and then with such a raging 
headache he was induced to try if a day in the country 
wouldn’t put him on his pins. And thus it happened Mr. 
Clarence Eaymond did not reach his home until the evening 


ETHEL’8 PERPLEXITY, 


9 


of the next day, where he too, found a billet doux awaiting 
him. 

This document he eyed critically, before he touched it, 
then turned it from side to side, looked at its address and 
seal, laid it down again, and walked rapidly up and down 
the room. Finally he seized it desperately, tore it open 
and read it through. 

Well Fm , that is cool,” and the young man seated 

himself in a comfortable arm-chair, lighted a cigar, and 
again read the letter, this time aloud. 

‘‘Jokes are very good on the piazza, by moonlight, but 
should be kept there. You did not mean what you said, 
and I did not mean what I answered, so we are quits. 

‘ ‘ Y our friend, ‘ ‘ Ethel W isher. ” 

“ Come to think of it, that girl has money. I don’t 
know if I want it to be a joke, after all.” Here he looked 
attentively at the letter, I am not much of a judge, but 
hanged if I believe she knows enough to write such a letter. 
I believe He la Eue had a hand in its construction. I don’t 

care a d for the girl, but that Tombs’ lawyer shan’t 

have her.” Here there was a knock at the door and he 
shouted “Come in.” 

“Shure there bees a gentleman below speering afther 
yees,” said Bridget opening the door. 

“Did he give his name,” demanded Clarence Raymond. 

“Oh bedad but I forgot his card, I left it on the balus- 
ter, below. Shure and I’ll get it for yees,” and before he 
could remonstrate she was off, and returned in a moment 
with Mr. De la Rue’s card. 

Uttering a prolonged whistle, Clarence said in an under- 
tone, “ What’s up now ?” then aloud to the servant, “ Show 
the gentleman up.” 

Eugene’s walk had had the effect of cooling his anger, 
and before he reached Mr. Raymond’s house, he formed his 
plans in the deliberate mannk’ his profession had taught 


10 


ETHEL’S PEUPLEXITT. 


him ; and instead of demanding an explanation as he first 
thought of doing, he determined to get information. It 
was not, however, until he commenced to go upstairs, that 
he decided to make seeking information in regard to 
joining Eaymond’s club, the ostensible object of his call. 
‘‘ Hello, De la Rue, come in, glad to see you, take a chair,” 
said Clarence Raymond, opening the door as he heard De la 
Rue step on the stairs, and extending his hand. 

I ask pardon for disturbing you,” replied De la Rue, 
‘‘but I am anxious to get some information about the 
Phoenix Club, of which I think you are a member.” 

“ My dear fellow don’t apologize, I am not busy, in fact 
never am, and it is a godsend to have some one take the 
spare time off my hands : Have a pipe ; and what will you 
take to wet your whistle, brandy or old rye ?” 

Young De la Rue accepted a cigar, but declined the ac- 
cessories, and Raymond continued, “The Phoenix is about 
the best club in town, and its members composed of some 
of its best fellows. I got rather spooney at Miss Wisner’s 
party last night, and instead of coming right home, I stop- 
ped there, and finding a few of the boys playing poker, I 
took a hand in, and like a fool took to mixing liquor, the 
consequence was I staid there all night and this morning • 
well, I thought my brain-pan would just split, so I spent 
the day in the country. By the by (here he took up Ethel’s 
note) did you dictate that ?” throwing it toward De la Rue. 

That young man read it carefully lawyer-like, before he 
answered. Then said, “ Why do you ask such a question ? 
because it is so professional and to the point ?” 

“Well yes, that is one of the reasons, I thought it had 
a kind of legal look, besic^s I saw you go out on the i^iazza 
with the young lady. How confess when you called this 
morning, you two concocted that precious epistle.” 

“You are very complimentary to my powers,” responded 
De la Rue, “ but I assure you I have not seen Miss Wisner 
since last evening.” 


ETHEL'S PERPLEXITY. 


11 


‘‘ Honest In gin now ? ” queried Clarence. 

If your extraordinary expression means to ask if I am 
telling the truth, I can merely reply that I do not allow my 
assertions to be questioned with impunity.” 

‘•How don’t take offence where none is intended,” quick- 
ly responded Raymond. “ I got it into my head, you were 
the man who wrote that note, and am rejoiced I am wrong. 
J oin the Phoenix, that is the ticket. Shall I propose you 
to-morrow ? ” 

“ I will see you about it again,” said De la Rue, taking 
out his watch. “I shall be late if I don’t hurry. Don’t 
come down stairs, I can find my way out ; good night ” and 
off he went. 

When he reached the street, he said to himself. “ Con- 
found it I might have known that numskull could not 
have written that letter.” 


CHAPTER III. 

Ethel was freed from her engagements, and heard no 
more from the young men, to whom she had written the 
notes, but in making the escape from them, she had put 
herself entirely under the power of Loraine Stedman ; 
whom she found to be capricious and tyrannical. He called 
at all hours, and made himself so perfectly at home, that 
Mr, Page, Ethel’s guardian, asked if he was to receive him 
as an accepted suitor. “If he is not, he ought to be, for 
he acts as if he was already master of you and yours.” 

The next time Loraine called at the house, Ethel ap- 
peared before him with the evidence of recent tears in her 
eyes. These the young man noticed and asked, “Well 
what now, more showers ? Who are you engaged to this 
time ?” 


12 


ETHEL'S PERPLEXITY. 


No one,” she replied ; there is no danger of my get- 
ting in that scrape again, for no one ever comes here to see 
me now.” 

Except me,” interposed Loraine. 

Except you,” continued Ethel, and here she halted 
and the young man laughing, added, Don’t I come often 
enough ? Get me a match won’t you ? I want to smoke.” 

“You are surely not going to smoke in the parlor are 
you ? ” 

“ Oh no,” answered the young man, “ I propose to let 
the cigar do that. Why ? ” 

“ Because Mr. Page was saying, — ” 

“'Never mind,” interrupted the young man, “'I have a 
match,” igniting it on his boot and lighting his cigar. 
“ Well what did poppy Page say ? ” 

“ He said,” continued Ethel, “ that, well I can’t tell 
you what he said, but you know what you promised me, 
and it ought to be done at once.” 

“ Isn’t this your house ?” asked the young man taking 
the cigar out of his mouth, and blowing the smoke in cir- 
cles from his mouth. 

“Yes,” replied Ethel. 

Very well, tell Page the next time he speaks about 
me, of that fact, and that you propose to choose what com- 
pany you please ? ” 

“'But you know he is my guardian, and will be until I 
am twenty-one,” said Ethel. 

“ Ah ! that’s true,” replied Loraine. 

Here Ethel arose from her chair, and timidly approach- 
ing the young man, knelt down beside him, and said, 
“ Loraine, why don’t you keep your promise and marry 
me at once, and save us both from this embarrassing po- 
sition.” 

“' Oh ! don’t be so impatient. I’ll think of it. Get up, 
some one might come in,” and then seeing tears in the 
young girl’s eyes, he added, It will all be right in a short 


ETHELS PERPLEXITY. 


13 


time. There kiss me and don’t worry. By the bye, your 
quarter’s allowance came in yesterday didn’t it ? ” 

Yes?” 

Well I would like to make a loan of it, for a short time. 
There don’t cry any more, but run up stairs, and get it, 
that’s a good girl, and we will talk about the marriage 
seriously, the next time I come.” And Loraine put his 
-arm around the girl’s waist, and kissed her lips for the first 
time . 

Ethel left the room to do his bidding. 

While she was away the young man took a turn up and 
down the parlor, and soliloquized, “ I don’t know as I can 
make a better investment ; she is awful soft, and easily 
managed and I see no other way to get at her money, and 
that I must have. Ah ! here she comes. They say one 
must treat a woman and a dog the same way, if you would 
have them love you. I wonder if it is true ? Frank Clark 
says he never knew the rule to fail.” 

At this moment the door opened, and Ethel appeared 
with the money. wanted some of this, for a new dress, 
but if you desire it, no matter. I can wait until next 
quarter. ” 

*• Well, if it don’t matter, I guess I will take it all, as it 
is just the sum I need. By the bye, I see De la Rue is be- 
coming quite prominent in the Hazard case ; have you ever 
seen him since our letter ? ” 

Once in the street,” she replied, “ when he was very 
polite, but did not mention the letter, although I tried to 
make him.” 

“Ah ! he suspects a man then. I hope to heaven it is 
not me, for they say he is very smart. Now no more tears. 
And in a short time we will arrange our little matter. Aio 
revoir, au revoir.^’ And with a motion of the hand to the 
lips he was off. 

Ethel remained for some time lost in thought, then said 
aloud, “ W’here will this end ? but I have gone so far, there 


14 


ETHEL^S PERPLEXITY. 


is nothing for me to do but continue. It seems as if I was 
borne on the wings of destiny.” 

She was about leaving the parlor, but hearing the front 
door bell ring, waited to see who it was and in a moment 
her cousin Miss Susie Van Antwerp was ushered into her 
presence. This young lady was about eighteen, tall and 
slight, neither pretty, nor plain, with a freckled complex- 
ion, and irregular features. She was an attendant of Miss 
Bartow’s school, an institution of reputation. Miss Susie 
had such an abundant flow of words, that it was a great 
pain for her to be silent, and she imagined she had a story 
to relate every time she met a friend, and commenced its 
rehearsal in so vigorous a manner that one waited impa- 
tiently for the denouement.^ but alas ! this never came, for 
the recital reached an untimely end ere the point (if it ever 
had any) was born. 

After embracing Ethel girl fashion. Miss Susie said, 
‘‘ Oh Ethel what do you think, I met Mary Barber at the 
corner of Fourteenth Street and Sixth Avenue, and she 
said that last night, she heard a ring of the door-bell, and 
then another, and still another. She dressed herself rap- 
idly thinking all the time who the telegram could be from, 
and went down stairs, and opened the door for her father 
who had forgotten his key ? ” • 

Susie what a girl you are. Gracious ! I thought by 
the way you commenced, you really had an adventure this 
time,” remarked Ethel. “ How did you like the picture at 
the * 



Ethel, I don’t like that one of 


Bougereau. I think the drawing incorrect.” Susie said 
. all this, with great emphasis on the personal pronoun, and, 
as if the opinion she was giving was flnal. “ I am going 
again this* evening,” she continued, “with old Mr. Wood, 
and expect to have a real flght with him, about it, he is so 
obstinate.” 

“Oh, I am sorry,” said Ethel, “for I was just on the 


ETHEL^S PERPLEXITY. 


15 


point of sending to your house, to see if you would go to 
Wallack’s to-night.” 

“ Of course Fll go, I will send a note to Mr. Wood at 
once,” exclaimed Susie. 

‘‘Is that the way you treat your beau ?” said Ethel. 

“ Well, don’t you see, I forgot my prior engagement,” 
responded Susie. 

“Not exactly,” said Ethel, and she thought what would 
be the consequence, if she were to treat Loraine in that 
way. 

“Well, Ethel, you don’t suppose I am goose enough to 
lose the chance of going to the theatre, for the sake of 
seeing a lot of pictures with an old married man, now do 
you ?” 

Ethel made some inaudible response, about keeping en- 
gagements, but it was altogether lost on Miss Susie, who 
kissed Ethel, and promised to be on hand immediately after 
dinner. 

She had scarcely gone, when a messenger boy brought 
the following letter. 

“ Deae Ethel : — Engage some of your lady relations ta 
go with us to the theatre to-night, as I have a little surprise 
for you after it is over. Yours, 

“Loeaihe.” 

“ Now what does he mean I wonder,” she said. “Some 
nonsense I suppose. Well, Susie is a relation, and so I have 
pleased Loraine in inviting her. What can the surprise 
be? I am sure I have no idea saying which she left the 
parlor. 


16 


ETHEUS PERPLEXITY. 


CHAPTER IV. 

Wheist Loraine Stedman left Miss Wisner, he went di- 
rectly to the office of his chum and confidant, Frank 
Clark ; saying as he threw the roll of money he had re- 
ceived from Edith on the desk before that gentleman, 
There now, we are quits, and you can stop your infernal 
dunning.” 

‘^Ah! Lorry is that you? Made a raise have you, 
plucked a green one eh,” said Mr. Clark, running the 
money over. Take a seat ; will be through in a moment,’’ 
and he continued the writing, Loraine’s entrance had inter- 
rupted. 

Frank Clark was well formed, but much below the 
usual stature of manhood, being not over five feet two ; he 
had black hair, and eyes, an acquiline nose, no beard but 
a heavy black moustache. The eyes though so dark one 
could scarcely see the pupil, had none of that liquid look 
this color often gives, but seemed to shine like polished 
metal, giving nothing from within, but merely reflecting 
from others ; he was fully thirty-five, but being so small 
and slight he had the appearance of being much younger. 
He called himself a lawyer, and may have been admitted 
to practice, but he never appeared before the courts, and 
was scarcely known among the legal fraternity. He was a 
club man, and his enemies said he lived by the use of cards 
of which he was very fond, and a skilful and fortunate 
player. It was also said his law business, consisted of help- 
ing young men to convert their property into cash, to pay 
their debts of honor, as they are called : a good portion of 
which, was due to the accommodating attorney. 

Having finished his letter, he put it in an envelope, ad- 


ETHEDS PERPLEXITY. 


IT 


dressed it and putting it in his pocket turned around on 
Loraine and said, Introduce me to your friend, won’t 
you ?” 

‘‘Who do you mean ?” Responded Loraine. 

“ Why your banker from whom you win enough in an 
hour or two to pay a debt of five hundred ; he is worth 
knowing I am sure ? ” 

“ Bah ! ” replied the other. “ It’s a woman.” 

“A woman. Good Lord ! she must be an angel. My 
curiosity to know her is intense. Have a cigar, and tell 
me all about her.” 

“lam powerful thirsty ; is there anything in that bot- 
tle of yours ? ” 

“Yes, I had it filled to-day, with some of old Dando’s 
brandy that he swears is fifty years old ; it is as smooth as 
milk,” saying which Mr. Clark produced a bottle and two 
glasses, from a closet. Loraine poured himself out a bum- 
per, but his friend was very moderate in the amount he 
took. 

In a few moments, the liquor seemed to have the effect 
of loosening Loraine’s tongue. And slapping his companion 
on the back,_he said — “ You old screw, so you want an in- 
troduction to my banker, do you. It’s no use, you can’t 
get her, but by the by, she wants me, that’s where the 
joke comes in.” 

“Wants you? I don’t quite comprehend,” said the 
lawyer fixing his peculiar eyes on Loraine, and taking his 
cigar from his mouth. 

“Well give me another glass of that nectar, and I will 
enlighten you at once, and not have it drawn out of me, 
piecemeal, besides the thing is getting troublesome, and 
your advice, may help me. Here’s to you, and as Eip says, 
‘May you live long and prosper.’ Well, my banker who 
happens to be a pretty woman, wants to wear the sub- 
scriber’s name, and offers in exchange a rather pretty per- 
son, some ducats, and quite an amount of shekels. 


18 


ETHEL'8 PERPLEXITY. 


Virtuous ?” queried Mr. Clark. 

•‘As a fresh snow-bank,” responded Loraine. 

“How much ?” he next asked. 

“One hundred, or one hundred and fifty thousand, 
answered the lover. 

“ Parents living ? ” 

“ Both dead, but the girl is not of age yet, and has a 
guardian.” 

“ Young man, if what you tell me is true, and such a 
rich ripe cherry is waiting for you to open your ugly mouth 
to receive it, you must have the lock-jaw, or you would not 
hesitate a moment, but fasten your teeth in the delicious 
morsel. The first thing you know, your fortune will be 
walking off with a Mr. Smith or a Mr. Brown.” 

“I believe you are right,” said Loraine, “ and I must 
attend to the business some of these days.” 

“Some of these days ! Do it at once. There sit down 
and — write the fair baggage — let me see, have you got her 
under good subjection ? Will she bolt if you act in a 
hurry ? ” 

“ Never a bolt. She will do just as I say,” replied Lo- 
raine anxious to show that his instruction about women, 
had been acted on. “ Lord, she would marry me after the 
theatre, where we are going this evening, if I said the 
word.” 

“ The very thing. Write her to have some lady rela- 
tive to go with you, and I will arrange the other matter, 
and before to-morrow morning there will be a Mr. and Mrs. 
Loraine Stedman.” 

Hereupon the letter that Ethel received was written 
and dispatched. After a rather long consultation the 
friends parted agreeing to meet at Wallack’s that even- 
ing. 


ETHEL’S PERPLEXITY, 




CHAPTER V. 

Oh Ethel ! What do you think,” said Susie Van An- 
twerp, as she entered the parlor prepared, for the theatre. 

Madge Huggins was at our house this afternoon, and told 
us that that dear little pug her brother gave her got lost, 
and after hunting all over town for it, at last they found it 
had been all the time in the kitchen with the cook.” 

‘‘A very remarkable incident,” said her cousin. I am 
right glad you put on your new dress Susie, for something 
must be going on. Mr. Stedman sent me a note to have a 
lady relative with me, as he had a surprise for us after the 
play.” 

Oh, how jolly ; a supper I hope. But you don’t say 
how you like my dress. I am dreadful proud of it, for I 
made it myself, that is Mrs. Jones you know cut and fitted 
it, and Mary Anderson did the sewing but then I did all 
that on the sewing machine,” here Susie showed a portion 
of the hem of the skirt. But her further explanation was 
cut short, by the entrance of Mr. Stedman who made his 
appearance in full evening dress. 

After presenting Susie, Ethel remarked, You both 
look so fine I am almost tempted to run up stairs and 
change my dress. Have I time to do so, Mr. Stedman ? ” . 

Plenty,” remarked that gentleman, we are very 
early,” and he rather looked as if he wished she would do 
it. 

There is nothing makes a woman feel more uncom- 
fortable than the fact of being inappropriately dressed, and 
when Ethel reappeared in the course of half an hour, she 
had gone to the other extreme, and looked as Susie ex- 
pressed it, like a bride, don’t she Mr. Stedman ?” 


20 


ETHEU8 PERPLEXITY. 


That gentleman answered she ^^ooked charmingly and 
as all brides looked — in that way, of course Miss Wisner 
resembled them.’’ 

The carriage now made its appearance, and they were 
soon in a private box at Wallack’s. Just before the cur- 
tain rose, Mr. Frank Clark knocked at the door. He had 
scarcely been presented, when the curtain rose, and both 
the young ladies became absorbed in the heartrending play 
of Camille.” 

This gave an opportunity, for the two gentlemen to ex- 
change a few words as follows. Is it all arranged ? ” 
whispered Loraine. 

‘‘Yes.” 

“ But does she know ? ” 

“ Not an idea.” 

“ How absurd. I was in hopes you had prepared her. 
You risk too much when there is nothing to gain by doing 
so.” 

Their conversation was interrupted by the falling of the 
curtain on the first act. 

Miss Susie turned toward Mr. Clark, and said “ You 
gentlemen say we girls go to the opera to hear ourselves 
talk, and see the dresses, but I never heard women’s tongues 
go swifter than yours during the whole of that act.” 

“I fear we must plead guilty, Miss Van Antwerp, but 
Mr. Stedman, had intrusted me with some important busi- 
ness and I was giving an account of my stewardship. But 
how charmingly Miss Wisner looks this evening, and so 
bride-like. Now don’t you think they would make a re- 
markably handsome couple ?” 

“Well Mr. Clark,” said Susie assuming a position as if 
called on to give a learned opinion, “of course Mr. Sted- 
man being an intimate friend of yours, you are biased, but 
if he has any hopes that way, I hope you will tell him how 
hopeless his suit is. Why Ethel has had an ofier almost 
every week, since she was eighteen.” 


ETEEU8 PEEPLEXITY. 


21 


At this moment Mr. Clark happened to glance toward 
the other couple in the box, who were in earnest conversa- 
tion and he saw a sudden paleness overspread Ethel’s face ; 
and she clasped her hands convulsively. But all conver- 
sation was again interrupted, by the continuance of the 
play. 

Ethel sat like a statue all through the act, her eyes fast- 
ened on the stage, but not regarding the actors. No one 
noticed this, but those cold black eyes of the lawyer, who 
also regarded the look of arrogant power on the face of Mr. . 
Stedman. The curtain had scarcely fallen, when that gen- 
tleman whispered to Ethel, in a clear distinct voice, ^^It 
must be to-night or never ; all is arranged, and my friend 
is here for that purpose.” 

But my friends, — my guardian who has been a father 
to me — what will they say ? What will the world say ?” 

“You have one friend here, and so have I. That is 
enough. Quick ; decide ; shall I introduce you as my in- 
tended ? The curtain is about to rise for the last act, give 
me your answer when the curtain falls again.” 

All but Ethel became absorbed in the most trying scene 
of that most sensational play, and as the curtain fell she 
turned to Loraine, and said, “There is no choice for me ; 
I must say yes, but God grant my fate be not like poor 
broken-hearted Camille.” 

The acting on the stage, had not been more impressive 
than the heartrending accents of the poor girl, but they 
made so little impression on the man to whom they were 
addressed, that he turned around and looked at Mr. Clark, 
who saw and understood the almost imperceptible winks he 
gave him. Then all arose to leave the theatre, and it was 
not until she heard Mr. Stedman direct the driver to the 
New York Hotel, that Ethel had any idea where the cere- 
mony was to be performed. 

On arrival at the hotel they were conducted to a finely 
furnished suit, and then Mr. Stedman said, “In a short 


22 


ETHEL'S PERPLEXITY. 


time we will partake of one of the best suppers this hotel 
can produce, but before doing so I must request you to wit- 
ness the marriage of Miss Ethel Wisner and myself.” 

‘‘The marriage of Ethel Wisner !” shouted Susie. “Is 
this true, Ethel, or is this part of the joke of the even- 
ing ?” 

But at this instant a clergyman made his appearance 
from one of the inner rooms, and almost before either of 
the ladies were aware of it, the ceremony had commenced. 
Ethel was resigned, but there was a look on Susie’s face, 
that was an odd mixture of anger, fear, and disgust. She 
had just made up her mind to protest, when the fatal words 
were pronounced, that made them man and wife. 

Susie insisted on being taken home at once, and would 
not touch a mouthful of the elegant supper that was being 
served in an adjoining room. 

Ethel acted like one in a dream, or rather like an au- 
tomaton, and the supper was enjoyed only by the two men, 
who felt their scheme had been successful. 

Loraine indulged freely in wine, and his wife commenced 
her married life by seeing her husband under the influence 
of liquor. 

As soon as they had returned from a short wedding trip, 
Mr. Page, Ethel’s guardian, sent his lawyer — he said he had 
not the heart to go himself — to deliver the 150,000 ready 
money that by her father’s will was to be paid her on her 
marriage ; the remainder he sent her word, he would bring 
himself when his trust ended, which would be when she 
became twenty-one. 

The marriage for a time was town talk, and her friends 
were indignant, but after a little most of them called either 
from sympathy or curiosity. 

And so poor Ethel became one of the neglected wives of 
a great city. Loraine merely slept at home, and even then, 
often in a condition to be anything but agreeable to his com- 
panion. His days and evenings were devoted to club life. 


ETHEL'S PERPLEXITY. 


23 


Ethel saw the money Mr. Page had sent her melt rapidly 
away in paying gambling debts, and ere the year was out it 
was exhausted, not only exhausted but if the truth had 
been told, some of the means promised on her majority 
encroached on. 


CHAPTER VI. 

Oke year had passed and what a change ! Then Ethel 
was surrounded with beaux, and the envy of her lady friends; 
but now what was she ? The unloved wife of, she feared, a 
confirmed gambler. The friends he brought to the house, 
she shrank from, with disgust, they were coarse and vulgar, 
with one exception, and he, Mr. Frank Clark, she feared 
and distrusted, worse than all. He seemed to have some 
malign influence over her husband, that she was unable to 
comprehend. 

She was sitting one day in her parlor meditating on 
these things, when the bell rang and the servant announced 
Mr. Page. That gentleman brought in his hand a small 
leather bag, which he placed on the table, and approaching 
Ethel, said Mrs. Stedman to-day you are of age, and my 
guardianship ceases. I have come to place in your hands, 
the balance of your fortune ; in pursuance of your father’s 
will I have invested it in bond and mortgage. I have taken 
great care in selecting the securities, and none of the bonds 
will be due in five years. I have never given you much ad- 
vice, because I have an old-fashioned idea that unasked ad- 
vice is generally worthless, but on this occasion I am going 
to make an exception to my rule, and advise and entreat 
you, to let these investments remain as they are. The in- 
terest on them, together with what you already possess, 


24 


ETHEL'S PERPLEXITY. 


will be ample for your support, and as these are absolutely 
yours, even your husband cannot object to your acting on 
my advice. I could have wished that your marriage had 
not been so precipitate, but I trust it has brought you hap- 
piness. Now if you will kindly verify this list, and sign 
this receipt I will be off. In a few days I will file my ac- 
counts with the surrogate which you or your husband can 
examine.” Saying which, the old gentleman unloaded his 
bag on the table. 

He had made his speech in a kindly pompous way, that 
deeply affected Ethel, and it was hard work for her to keep 
back the tears, and not daring to trust herself to speak, 
she seized the pen and was about to sign the receipt, with- 
out examination. Not understanding the cause of her ac- 
tion, the old gentleman was offended, and stayed her hand 
saying, ^‘If you will not examine for your own sake, you 
must for mine, and he made her go over each item sepa-' 
rately. There,” he said ** my trust is ended and I will 
go.” 

He took his bag, and had almost reached the door, when 
Ethel rushed toward him, and said, ‘‘ My dear kind guar- 
dian, how can I thank you for all your kindness to me, and 
how can you forgive me for wdiat I have done. Oh if you 
only knew — ” 

But the sentence was never finished, for at that moment 
Mr. Frank Clark made his appearance, and Mr. Page with 
a more kindly look in his face, took his leave. 

I will tell your husband of you ” said Mr. Clark, 
‘Miaving a fiirtation with an old gentleman, and a fine 
looking one at that.” 

‘‘Indeed he is,” replied Ethel ; “ and I am almost sorry 
he ceases to be my guardian to-day.” 

“What a pile of papers,” continued the lawyer. “ His 
accounts I suppose ? ” 

“Indeed they are not,” said Ethel, “they are bonds 
and mortgages.” 


ETHEUS PERPLEXITY. 


25 


Why, where are you going to keep them ? They 
ought to be put in a safe, they might be burnt up here, of 
course it would be no use for one to steal them, for they 
are all recorded and could only be used by you, but in case 
of fire, they should be in a safe. Suppose I take care of 
them for you ; you are welcome to a place in my fire- 
proof.*’ 

Ethel thought a moment ; she knew they could not be 
used without her signature, and she wanted them away 
from Loraine, and determined to let Mr. Clark take them, 
and told him so. 

Oh, very well, I will take them, but you must write me 
a letter, stating you request me to do so. Lorry might make 
me trouble otherwise. You write the letter, and while you 
are doing it I will make a list of them so you can know 
when and where to get the interest.” 

In a short time both the list and the letter were com- 
pleted, and exchanged, and making a bundle of the docu- 
ments, Mr. Clark in a few moments took his leave. 

Ethel did not see her husband till late that evening, 
when he was left at her door by a party of boon companions, 
in a state of stupid intoxication. ^ 

And she had so longed all day for a kind look, or a 
word, they had become so scarce. She sank down at the 
bedside of him, whom she had promised to love, honor and 
obey, and burst into an agony of tears. After a while she 
became more calm, and sinking on her knees poured out 
her heart to that Great Being we are taught to call ‘‘our 
Eather.” She prayed, if He gave the little creature life, 
whom she in a few days expected to bear into the world, 
he would never be as the man she called husband, but be 
pure and good. It seemed almost as if her prayer was 
answered for a calm came upon her, and she arose and ly- 
ing down beside her insensible husband, fell into a gentle 


26 


ETHEU8 PERPLEXITY, 


CHAPTER VII. 

Eugeite De la Rue, since the receipt of that cruel 
letter, had devoted himself entirely and earnestly to his 
profession, determined as he said to himself, to make that 
the object of his affection, and as he had wonderful powers 
of concentration, he made rapid strides toward fame and 
fortune. He heard of Ethel’s marriage, and felt sure Lo- 
raine Stedman was the author of the letter she had sent 
him, but as he still loved her, and knew a husband cannot 
be injured, without at the same time inflicting punishment 
on the wife, he forgave the man, for the sake of the 
woman. 

He was sitting in his handsome bachelor quarters, (for 
his practice had become very lucrative) one Sunday, in a 
brown study, the newspaper he had been reading lying 
neglected on his knees, when the door opened and his 
friend G-eorge Poultney made his appearance. ^^You 
dear old fellow how glad I am to see you. That genial 
open face of yours has the effect of an opiate on my trou- 
bled nerves,” said De la Rue, as he arose and grasped his 
friend warmly by the hand. 

The idea of you being nervous — one who the world 
says has nerves of iron,” replied his friend, taking the prof- 
fered seat. 

“ Ah me !” continued De la Rue, how little the ^ world’ 
as you call it, knows of our internal struggles. Truly ‘ all 
the world’s a stage and we the actors,’ but the rebound will 
come to all, at times, and to-day I feel as if every nerve in 
my body was jumping and gyrating in the most fantastic 
maimer. The fact is I became so absorbed in that poor 
devil’s case I defended for him I overtaxed myself.” 


ETHEL'S PERPLEXITY. 


27 


And a splendid defence it was. All the world is talk- 
ing of it. Where did you get such an insight into hand- 
writing. It seems to me marvellous/’ said George. 

By hard study, where I get everything else,” he con- 
tinued. You know I don’t believe in sitting down and 
praying for a thing ; nothing worth having is ever obtained 
save by hard work.” 

Don’t you believe in prayer ?” asked George somewhat 
startled. 

Oh yes, but not in the usual acceptation of the term. 
Prayer as a self confession, an unburdening of an overloaded 
mind, is one of the most blessed privileges of humanity, 
but, and I say it in no captious or flippant manner, I don’t 
believe in miracles ; to my mind they are a weakening of 
the divine law, which seems to me too perfect to be altered 
at will, and praying for a violent change in this law is ask- 
ing ill to thousands, that apparent good may be done to 
one. But I shock you, let us change the subject. Do you 
ever hear anything of the Stedmans ?” 

Indeed I do,” said George, “and my heart bleeds for 
that poor woman. Clarry Raymond was telling of the hus- 
band last night. It seems he has been expelled from the 
club, not only for habits of continuous intemperance, but 
because of unfair play at cards, and Clarry thinks he has 
run through with most of the poor girl’s money. By the 
by, who is this Mr. Frank Clark, Stedman is so intimate 
with ? He is a ^ limb of the law/ they say, so you must 
know him.” 

“ Never heard of him before ” replied De la Rue, “and 
if he is intimate with Stedman, don’t want to know him. 
Mrs. Stedman has a child, has she not ?” 

“Yes a charming boy, I am told, about a year old ; the 
little fellow is the poor wife’s only comfort ; and for his 
sake she has stopped Stedman’s gambling supplies, and not 
being able to deplete her means at his own sweet will, as 
heretofore, he stays for long periods away from her. The 


28 


ETHEL’S PERPLEXITY. 


only really kind thing he appears to do. Why don’t you 
call on her, De la Rue, you used to know her so well ?” 

‘‘ If I can ever be of service to her, I will, but it must 
be at her request. Should I go otherwise, she might think 
it was to glory in her misfortune, for — well, I may as well 
you with it — I was once a rejected suitor.” 

G-eorge seized his friend’s hand and wrung it, and said, 
“ My dear fellow I feel for you. One, of your deep earnest 
nature must have suffered intensely.” And then he mut- 
tered to himself, What a fool the girl must be to refuse 
such an offer. Come put your hat on and go to church 
with me, it will do you good.” 

No thank you,” De la Rue replied, I want rest, not 
mental excitement. I am so unfortunately constituted, 
that I cannot accept what the minister says, without the 
closest investigation, and most of their harangues are based 
on such a flimsy foundation I find myself undermining the 
structure, while they are erecting the building. I wish I 
could swallow things whole, and not use thought for a di- 
gester.” 

Ah De la Rue, if you only had faith,” George inter- 
jected. 

‘‘Faith! faith I What is it?” he continued. “The 
priesthood have preached that from the time of Adam, (if 
there was such a creature). And if they had been obeyed 
man would be in the same condition, as his remote ances- 
tors to-day. Lack of faith in what they had, being the best, 
has been the mother of our present spiritual religion, and 
all our applied sciences.” 

“ Eugene, that confounded Ingersoll has crazed you,” 
said George. 

“It is possible I am crazed, but not by Ingersoll ; but 
it seems to me you orthodox people are crazed. Ingersoll 
says a great many true and wise things, but in a flippant 
way, that I cannot admire. But you good orthodox peo- 
ple, instead of spiking his guns, by striking from your creed 


ETHEL'8 PERPLEXITY. 


29 


dogmas that science has completely exploded, furnish am- 
munition for his attacks, by continuing to repeat obsolete 
ideas, as if their repetition added to their strength.” 

Why don’t you believe it is our duty, to go to 
church ?” queried George. 

‘‘ If it makes us better, yes. Churches are a kind of 
moral police, but we must be careful to limit their power. 
It is a nice question whether in the world’s history, they 
have not done more harm than good. They have been the 
manufacturers of miracles, and as I told you before, I re- 
gard them as dangerous. But why on earth do you start 
me on a subject that must be very disagreeable to you. We 
can never agree on this point, for we do not, and cannot 
look at it from the same standpoint. You are so consti- 
tuted you must have some one to lean on. The burden of 
thinking for yourself is more than you can bear. If you 
had been born in Spain, or Italy, you would have been a 
devout Catholic, a little bigoted perhaps, but when you 
roasted me here it would be an immense satisfaction to 
think what a great kindness it was to make mere tem- 
porary pain keep me from that eternal fire, that is always 
kept at white heat, for such miserable unbelievers.” 

“De la Eue, do stop. You are getting worse, and 
worse. I mean to bring our parson, to see you. Now, I 
must be off, good-bye,” and George left the room. 

His friend looked after him, and said to himself, 
“ There goes a man with a woman’s heart. I can pay him 
no higher compliment than that, for women are better, 
and purer, than men, and what makes them so is thac 
mysterious thing we call heart.” 


30 


ETEEU8 PERPLEXITY, 


CHAPTER VIIL 

Geobge Poultkey’s sister Mary, a maiden of uncer- 
tain years, but with a heart as large, and as full of the milk 
of human kindness, as himself had made Mrs. Stedman’s 
acquaintance, and become deeply interested in the poor wife 
and lovely child. One evening Mary Poultney received a 
note, asking her to come at once to her distressed friend, 
and as it was too dark for her to go alone, she asked her 
brother to escort her. 

Mary left her brother in the parlor and at the servant’s 
suggestion went directly to Mrs. Stedman’s room, she found 
that lady in a wild state of excitement, in fact in such a 
state, she was utterly unable to tell the cause of her trouble 
but pointed to an open letter, laying on the table, which 
Miss Poultney took up and read as follows : 

My Dear Mrs. Stedman- : 

Your letter of day before yesterday did not reach me 
until to-day, as I have been absent from the city, and I 
hasten to answer it. I cannot send you the interest on the 
bonds as you request, simply, because the bonds themselves 
are no longer in my possession. You seem to have forgot- 
ten you gave Mr. Stedman an order for them some months 
since ; he told me at the time, you were desirous of con- 
verting them into money, to be used abroad, where you 
were about going to spend some years. Some words that 
passed between us at this time severed our friendship and 
until I received your letter I supposed it was you who 
sailed with him for Europe in the Scotia last week. If 
I can aid you, at any time you can count on my services. 
The bonds I presume are somewhere in your house. 

Very respectfully, 

Y. Y., July, 18 — . " -^ERAiq-K Clark.” 


ETHEL'S PEUPLEXITY. 


31 


Miss Poultney was a woman of nerve and decision, but 
when she read this letter which told of the flight of the 
husband, with all the means of his wife, she felt almost 
like fainting herself, but she conquered the disposition, and 
placing her arm around the deserted wife, poured those 
words of comfort and consolation into her ear, that only 
one woman can speak to another. As soon as Mrs. Sted- 
man grew more calm in which she was helped by her child 
crying, and needing her care. Miss Poultney ran down 
stairs to consult her brother, taking the letter with her. 

George Poultney read it over carefully and could not 
suppress the expletive ‘^ d— d rascal.” 

What is best to do George,” said his sister. 

The brother scratched his head, a favorite motion with 
him when puzzled, and then said, ‘‘You must take off 
your things and stay here, while I go consult De la Kue. 
This is too deep water for me. He may see a way out. I 
don’t, but then he has a head, and I fear he speaks the 
truth when he says I have only a heart.” 

His sister kissed him on the forehead, and said, 
“ Whether it be head, or heart, the suggestion is good to 
consult De la Kue, for he is a lawyer, and it -is a lawyer we 
want. Go at once and bring him here, and by the time he 
arrives, I will try and have Mrs. Stedman so composed she 
can speak to him, for I imagine she must give him some in- 
formation.” 

In about half an hour, George Poultney returned to the 
house, with Mr. De la Rue. And in a short time, Mrs. 
Stedman came down stairs to see him — at Miss Poultney’s 
suggestion she brought the baby on her arm. 

He arose to receive her, and said, “ I called, Mrs. Sted- 
man, at my friend George Poultney’s suggestion, to offer my 
service to you, as a friend and a lawyer ; he tells me you are 
in trouble, for which I am truly sorry, and if you will state 
vour case I may be able to suggest some wav out of the 
difficulty.” 


32 


ETHEL’S PERPLEXITY. 


De la Kue’s cool self-possession put Mrs. Stedman some- 
what at her ease, and after considerable cross-questioning, 
he ascertains the facts about her affairs. 

Now Mrs. Stedman, if you will give me the list of 
mortgages, which Mr. Clark furnished you, I will take my 
leave. Be of good cheer. I don’t think you have lost all 
your fortune yet, but I will be able to tell you more when 
I see you again. By the by, I understood you to say that 
you had signed no paper of any kind since giving Mr. Clark 
that letter. Did I not ?” 

‘‘ Yes, it was for that reason,” she replied, Mr. Sted- 
man became so angry.” 

‘•'Very good; that is most fortunate. Good evening,” 
and without another word De la Eue, accompanied by 
George Poultney, left the house. Miss Poultney at Ethel’s 
earnest solicitation remaining. 


CHAPTER IX. 

Ok the way home George Poultney said to his friend, 
“ Poor thing, my heart bleeds for her.” 

“ Who are you talking about George ?” asked his com- 
panion. 

“ What a question,” said George. “ Why Mrs. Sted- 
man of course.” 

“Well I don’t know whether to sympathize with, or 
congratulate her. I will know which to do, however, in a 
few days. Good night, this is my street,” and De la Rue 
abruptly left his friend. 

“ What on earth does Eugene mean ? Can it be he 
hopes to benefit by Stedman’s flight ? He is a good fellow, 
but he is a genius, and they are always queer. He may 


ETHEU8 PERPLEXITY, 


33 


marry a divorced woman if he chooses, but the woman I 
marry must take me for her first venture, or else the origi- 
nal article uiust be in heaven. No comparing notes on the 
person of George Poultney, for me.” 

He was walking quietly along lost in meditation, when 
he received such a slap on the back, that it sent his hat 
reeling into the street. Half angry he turned and encoun- 
tered the smiling face of Clarence Raymond, who hastened 
to say, ‘‘ Forgive me George, but you looked so far gone in 
the dim vista of the future, or the midnight darkness of the 
past, I felt it would require a severe shock, to bring you 
back to this prosy stupid world of ours. Come into 
Purdy’s and have a drink.” 

No I thank you, Clarry, I am not thirsty, and I rather 
think you have wet your whistle enough already.” 

“By jove George, I guess you are about right. The 
fact is I have been playing cards with Frank Clark, and he 
has the faculty of making you drink a gallon, while he sips 
a glass.” 

“ And then he wins your money as they pluck feathers 
from a goose,” broke in George. 

“ Right again my boy. Why I am such a fool as to 
play with him, I can’t understand. But to-night I was led 
to do so, by his telling me how Stedman had served that 
little Ethel Wisner. But confound it, I could not help 
thinking all the time, the man I was playing with had the 
money, having won it from the poor drunken wretch, then 
turned him adrift, by getting him into some scrape. Come 
take a turn around the block with me ; my head feels as big 
as a hogshead.” And he seized George’s arm to steady his 
by no means steady gait. 

That gentleman felt it his duty, to see his friend home, 
and he had anything but a cheerful time in so doing. Clarry 
became very peculiar in his actions, it being the night before 
election. He insisted on getting into the ticket booths 
and addressing an imaginary crowd. Then, he thought it 


34 


ETHEL’S PERPLEXITY. 


would be the j oiliest thing in the world for them both to 
take off their shoes, and stockings, and bathe their feet in 
the gutter, and no entreaty could prevent him from doing 
so. If it was hard for him to get his boots off, it was ut- 
terly impossible to get them on again, and George had to 
guide his friend with one hand while he carried his boots 
in the other, and in this, by no means dignified condition 
they walked several blocks, until at last, George landed 
Clarence at his own door. Even then he was not allowed 
to depart, until Mr. Raymond had given him a long lec- 
ture about the danger of mixing his drinks, a practice to 
which he the speaker feared his hearer was addicted. Half 
provoked, and half amused, George at last took his leave, 
and without any further adventure reached home. 

The first thing that De la Rue did on reaching his office 
next morning, was to write the following note to Mr. Frank 
Clark. 

“ N. Y., Nov. 

Sir : — Your letter of the to Mrs. Stedman has 

been handed me professionally. As Mrs. S. has never 
given any order on you for the bonds for which she holds 
your receipt, she thinks there must be some mistake about 
their delivery. Will be in my office until three o’clock, and 
should be pleased to have you call. If you will notify me 
by bearer when I may expect you, will be in at that time. 

Respectfully, 

“Eugene De la Rue.” 

Calling a messenger boy, he addressed and dispatched 
the letter. In a short time, he received in answer the fol- 
lowing : 

“ N. Y., Nov. 

“ Mr. Frank Clark’s compliments to Mr. De la Rue, 
and as the distance between the two offices is precisely the 
same, he will await Mr. De la Rue’s call. Office hours 12 
to 2 o’clock.” 


ETEEU8 PERPLEXITY. 


35 


‘‘ Humph/’ said De la Rue on receipt of this. War, as 
I expected ? Very well I am prepared.” 

He sat down at his desk again and drafted an order for 
Mrs. Stedman to sign, and enclosing it in a letter to that 
lady, sent it to her by a messenger. 

Now if for a particular purpose I did not want to see 
this man, and Mrs. Stedman’s order, that he claims to have, 
I would send one of my clerks, but I think I will sink my 
pride, and go myself.” And at one o’clock he presented 
himself at Mr. Clark’s office. That gentleman was, or 
appeared to be so engaged in his writing, that for a few 
moments he was unaware of the presence of his visitor. 
At last he looked up, and De la Rue said, I called sir, at 
your suggestion, to see an order you have from Mrs. Sted- 
man for some bonds and mortgages she entrusted to your 
care.” 

‘•'Ah ! Mr. De la Rue, I presume. Pray be seated,” 
said Mr. Clark. “ I fear I was a little rude in my answer to 
your note, but I had been much annoyed by some business 
I had just been attending to, and I fear vented my ill tem- 
per on you.” 

While he was speaking De la Rue had been studying his 
face, and came to the conclusion he had a person of un- 
common nerve and coolness to contend with, and said 
quietly “ Will you favor me with a look at the order.” 

Mr. Clark produced it from his safe, and handed it to 
De la Rue, who read it carefully over, and then remarked, 
“This seems all regular, but there is one singularity about 
it, — it is all in the lady’s own hand-writing, — it is singular 
she should be so familiar with our legal jargon.” 

“Oh that is easily explained,” replied Clark quickly, 
“ her husband was in an attorney’s office, for some time, 
and he probably dictated it.” 

“ Yes, that is probably the explanation,” continued De 
la Rue. “ Have you any idea where those securities are at 
present, Mr. Clark ?” 


36 


ETHEL’S PERPLEXITY. 


“ Not an idea,” that gentleman replied ; some insti- 
tution I rather think ; the parties who came here for the 
interest looked like clerks.” 

It is a hard case for the poor woman,” continued De 
la Rue. ‘‘I am much obliged for the sight of the paper, 
which Mrs. Stedman seems to have entirely forgotten, and 
I . will not disturb you longer. G-ood-day sir,” and in a 
moment he was in the street. During all the time he had 
been in Mr. Clark’s offices the sharp eyes of De la Rue, had 
been either fixed on the face of that gentleman, or the order 
which he held in his hand. And as he made his way to- 
ward the register’s office, there was a pleased expression on 
his face. In a short search of the records he soon traced 
the missing bonds, into the hands of two large life insur- 
ance companies, and as he was acquainted with the attor- 
neys of these companies he had little difficulty in getting 
a sight of the original documents themselves. The as- 
signmepts were all properly drawn, and executed, and 
a less energetic man would have been discouraged ; but 
not so De la Rue. He went back to his office, attended 
to the business awaiting him, and that evening called on 
Ethel. 

He found her alone. No not alone for her baby was on 
her arm, and she had the prettiest way of asking advice of 
the tiny creature, and answering for it in baby language. 
If it had not been for her baby protector the meeting be- 
tween her and the young lawyer would have been very 
embarrassing. 

But she received him by saying to the child, Here is 
Mr. De la Rue, mamma’s good kind friend, what shall we 
ever do, to thank him for his great kindness. Yes baby. 
What it says is true, we will never forget, and some day 
maybe, we can return it.” 

Pray, Mrs. Stedman, don’t distress yourself about obli- 
gations, until they are incurred. I may be of but little 
use after all,” said the young man. 


ETHEU8 PERPLEXITY. 


37 


‘‘We know better, don’t we, baby. Shall I tell him for 
my darling, that you know he will succeed.” 

“Now Mrs. Stedman give me your strict attention, for 
a few moments. I have seen the order on which your 
bonds were delivered, and I have also seen the bonds them- 
selves, which have been transferred to the Montauk and 
National life insurance companies, and I am convinced both 
the order and the assignment are forged. Have I your au- 
thority to arrest the forger if I can find him ?” 

She looked the young man square in the eyes, then 
hugged her baby close to her breast and said, “ Baby shall 
I tell Mr. De la Rue, you and mamma would rather starve 
than have baby’s papa a felon ? ” 

“I understand you,” continued the young man. “ And 
baby’s papa shall be saved if possible. I will see you again 
on this matter. I am yet very much in the dark myself, 
good night,” and without another word he left the house. 


CHAPTER X. 

Eugene walked up Twenty-third Street in a deep brown 
study. At the corner of Fifth Avenue, he encountered two 
gentlemen, who, noticing his approach, had awaited him. 
“We have been watching you for some moments. I told 
the doctor you were absorbed in one of your deep specula- 
tions, and this was the very time I wished him to meet you,” 
said George Poultney. “Let me introduce you to Dr. 
Beasly ; Dr. Beasly my friend Eugene De la Rue.” 

“Happy to make your acquaintance” said the clergy- 
man, extending his hand in a hearty manner. “ I have heard 
of you often, but this I think is the first time I have had 
the pleasure of meeting you.” 


38 


ETHEU8 PERPLEXITY. 


If you have heard of me through our mutual friend 
here I am a little at a loss to understand how a clergyman 
should be glad to meet me/’ replied Eugene laughing, ’^for 
George regards me as entirely without the pale.” 

Oh ! I think you do him injustice ; he has often spoken 
of you, but always in terms of admiration, and what he has 
told me of your ^ peculiar ideas ’ as he called them led me 
to think you had given the matter more study and thought 
than some who are more orthodox.” 

•'•'Thank you sir, my fault with the world in general is,* 
they believe too much. Mere belief without investigation 
of its foundation is slothful, and dwarfs the intellect.” 

•‘In a measure you are doubtless correct,” said the 
clergyman, “but there are certain things, we believe in 
without question, or investigation, and would be desperately 
unhappy, if we did not ; for instance, one believes in the 
virtue of his mother, of his wife, that is intuitive.” 

••' Pardon me, I think your simile is unfortunate,” replied 
Be la Rue. “We love and respect our mothers, and wives, 
from the evidence of their daily life, — by benefits we re- 
ceive at their hands. That respect is very material, and I 
fear many respect the church for the material benefit she 
confers here, and the promised benefit in the future. But 
these are my quarters, walk in and have a weed, it assists 
thought, and smooths down the sharp points in argument.” 

Dr. Beasly was a genial old gentleman, of sixty, and was 
taken with the manner, if not the argument, of Eugene, 
and the three gentlemen entered his quarters, and drawing 
the easy chairs to the open window, lit their cigars, and Dr. 
Beasly continued the discussion, by saying, “ You liberals 
are in fact the most illiberal people in the land, you claim 
great latitude for yourselves, but allow none to others ; if a 
plank in a building is unsound, instead of replacing it with 
a perfect piece of timber, you tear the whole structure 
down.” And there was a pleasant smile on the doctor’s 
face, as if he had given his opponent a poser. 


ETHEU8 PERPLEXITY. 


39 


‘‘ There is much reason in what you say doctor, but you 
will agree with me I think in saying, it is often more expen- 
sive to repair, than to rebuild. But we liberals, as you 
kindly call us, have certainly cause to find fault with your 
retaining in your creeds, and teaching to your young, dogmas 
which science has exploded, and no intelligent man believes 
— building your foundation on a book many chapters of 
which are of doubtful authenticity, and some known to be 
spurious — ’’ 

“ De la Eue !” broke in G-eorge, stop P 

“ Don’t be worried George, I think I understand Mr. 
De la Kue better than you do,” said the doctor. He be- 
longs to what is called in politics, the outs. They are 
dreadful fellows while they have nothing to protect, tearing 
and slashing in every direction, but just wait until they 
become the ins, then they are worse than those they have 
been attacking. But seriously speaking, everything in life 
is a compromise ; even our religion is a compromise with 
that which preceded it. As the world improves we drop, 
little by little, old superstitions, without shocking the feel- 
ings of those who cling to the traditions of the past. Ee- 
member Mr. De la Eue, all have not the strong vigorous 
mind of yourself. You can walk alone, you are not kept 
in order by hope of reward, or fear of punishment, but don’t 
take the crutches away from those unable to walk, or if I 
may so express it, the crutches of the conscience from the 
weak and the wicked. Come George, we must go it is 
getting late. I hope Mr. De la Eue we will meet often, and 
when we meet, speak openly. Such minds as yours never 
shock me, but often strengthen me in my work.” 

The two gentlemen took their leave, but De la Eue re- 
mained seated in the same position, lost in thought, then 
arose, walked toward the light, drew from his pocket the 
letter 'of Mr. Clark, and the order Mrs. Stedman had sent 
himself, these he studied carefully for some time then placed 
them in his pocket, as he did so muttering, ‘‘Yes, all 


40 


ETHEL'S PERPLEXITY. 


things, either on the earth, or in the sky, obey a law. It is 
our duty to find it out and ascertain its application.” 

He took two postal cards from his pocket, and wrote on 
one, Please call at my office Ho. 8 Wall Street, at ten 
o’clock to-morrow the other was precisely the same, only 
he varied the hour to one o’clock in the afternoon. The 
former he addressed to James Pinkton, the latter to Bev- 
erly Hunter. 

Calling a servant, he had them placed in the nearest 
post box. 


CHAPTER XL 

Eugene had been but a short time in his office when 
the door opened softly, and a man made his appearance. 
This individual took the first chair within his reach, laid 
his well worn black stove-pipe on the floor, at his side, and 
with look fastened on nowhere, sat as quietly as if he were 
part of the chair he occupied. He was rather tall, and very 
slight, with regular features, his hair and eyebrows were 
the color of dirty flax, his eyes it was impossible to get a 
sight of, and his face was as smooth as that of a girl, his 
hands were large, but very white, with enormously long fin- 
gers. 

He la Rue looked up, and noticing his visitor, said. 
Ah ! Pinkton, is that you ? how on earth did you get in ? 
through the keyhole ? I did not hear the door open, and 
my ears are of the best.” 

The party addressed appeared to laugh, but he made no 
sound in so doing, and merely said in a low, and rather 
musical voice, ‘‘I received this,” exhibiting He la Rue’s 
postal, and I was here nine fifty-nine.” 


ETHEL’S PERPLEXITY. 


41 


Why bless me,” broke in the lawyer, ^^you must have 
been sitting there, without my knowing it, half an hour.” 

“ Thirty-eight minutes,” remarked his visitor. 

Ah ! Well we will proceed to business then. You 
have a scale of prices have you not ?” 

‘'No, not exactly. I charge according to the difficulty 
and magnitude of the case.” 

“Well, the case I want your services upon is peculiar, 
and there is no ready money to pay with, and I will have 
to advance it. Can I get your undivided services, for say 
ten days for one hundred dollars ?” asked the lawyer. 

“ Am I to have full charge, and all expenses paid ?’* re- 
sponded the man. 

“ Yes Mr. Pinkton, I will give you full charge, and pay 
all expenses provided they are reasonable.” 

“ Let us get to business then,” said the detective, and 
he gave a quick sharp look at De la Eue, that showed his 
eyes were of that keen character that they took in a large 
field at a glance. Then he commenced to make what he 
called memorandums, but his process of doing this was pe- 
culiar, and original. He seized the fingers of the left hand 
by those of the right, and dropped one finger after another, 
to mark particular points. 

“Mr. Loraine Stedman went to Europe, within the 
past two months, and it is said he went on the Scotia ; but 
of this I am not certain, in fact I am not certain he went at 
all, although I believe he did. Now I want you to ascer- 
tain all about it, if he went, how he went ? Why he went, 
and with whom he went ? Also ascertain if he has had any 
large sums of money, within the last six months, if he has 
offered any securities for sale, and if so, of what character ? 
Well what are you shaking your head for ?” 

“Know the chap. Expenses will be large; disguises 
are always expensive and dangerous. It will cost at least 
two hundred and fifty,” answered Pinkton. 

“ Too much,” said De la Eue. 


42 


ETHEL’S PERPLEXITY. 


“ Then you must get a cheaper man/^ and the detective 
took up his hat to go. 

Well I know something of you, and nothing of your 
associates, so I will pay your price, but I expect great re- 
sults.’^ 

‘‘You shall not be disappointed,” he answered and with- 
out another word left the office. 

“Nothing venture, nothing win. There goes a two- 
hundred and fifty investment anyhow,” murmured De la 
Rue, as he resumed his writing. 

At a quarter after one o’clock, Mr. Hunter made his 
appearance, as per his postal. And a very different look- 
ing person he was from De la Rue’s visitor of the morning. 
He was a man of at least sixty, one foot was shorter, than 
the other, and he was so near-sighted, as to be almost blind 
without his glasses. He also had that peculiar stoop, which 
those who pass much of their time leaning over a desk, are 
apt to contract. He was so nervous that it was painful to 
watch the twitching of his muscles. 

De la Rue was waiting for him and at once opened his 
business. “How do you do, Mr. Hunter. I want your 
service in a rather complicated case, I want to test your 
skill in caligraphy. You know I make some pretense as 
an expert myself, and I am anxious to have you go over the 
same ground as I have and see if you reach the same con- 
clusion. Can you carry writing in your eye ?” 

“Yes sir, I consider myself very expert in so doing,” 
replied Hunter. 

“Well, look at those two letters, and become familiar 
with the characteristics of the hand.” 

The old gentleman threw back his glasses, examined 
each carefully, then took a magnifying glass from his 
pocket, and also used that. “ These are both genuine arti- 
cles I see, and I have memorized them.” 

“ Very good. Now I want you to go to the office of Mr. 
Frank Clark, and hand him this letter. It is a request 


ETHEL’8 PERPLEXITY, 


43 


that he will show you an order he has from Mrs. Stedman 
to deliver some papers ; examine it carefully ; then go to 
these life insurance companies, and look carefully at the 
assignments of mortgage, they will show you. Having done 
all this, make me a report in writing of the result.” 

Mr. Hunter listened carefully to Mr. De la Hue’s in- 
structions, and promising to let that gentleman hear from 
him in a short time, took his leave. 

De la Kue walked up and down the office, for a few 
moments, then said ‘Hf the investigations of these men, 
should confirm my suspicions, I shall act at once.” 


CHAPTER XIL 

A FEW evenings after this, De la Rue sat reading at his 
desk when George Poultney made his appearance ; looking 
up, he said, My dear friend I am rejoiced to see you. 
Where have you been this week past ? I began to think 
you had forgotten me. Take a seat ; no not that one ; 
draw up that easy chair.” 

Why I declare ” said George, if that is not the Bible 
you have been reading. I thought you never read it.” 

Yes, my dear boy, I have to read it to find out what 
it contains, while you good orthodox people are content 
to worship it, without wasting your eyesight on its con- 
tents.” 

From what I have heard you say, I can’t understand 
your reading ^ God’s book,’ ” continued George. 

This cannot be God’s book, save in the broad sense that 
everything that is belongs to the Creator. Whatever is done 
by the Creator is perfect, this is full of imperfections, and 
therefore, betrays its human authorship. The ordinary ex- 


44 


ETHEL'S PERPLEXITY. 


pression is God’s Word. To me, either phrase is equally 
objectionable.” 

Don’t you believe God has written, or caused to be 
written, a book for man to read ?” 

Indeed I do, but this is not it.” 

What is it then ? Not the Talmud or Koran ?” que- 
ried George. 

Was it starlight when you entered ?” 

Yes, one of the most lovely nights I ever saw. Why ?” 

“When you looked up into what we call the heav- 
ens, you saw one of the books written by God’s own hand, 
and to-morrow if you will look upon the earth and her 
waters, you will see another ; and if it were possible to 
penetrate the bowels of the earth, you would see a third.” 

“ Then you do not believe in our Bible ?” 

“ Why will you get me into these religious arguments ? 
They must be shocking to you ; it is your fault not mine.” 

“ But you have not answered my question,” continued 
George. 

“ There is much in this book, that is grand, ennobling 
and I might almost say perfect. Such parts I believe in, 
because they appeal both to the mind, and heart ; but there 
are other parts, that seem to me mere words, warped into 
rhapsody, without sense, or meaning. While a portion con- 
tains descriptions, unfit for the eye of youth, or age. We 
Protestants are very illogical, in building the fabric of our 
religion on a foundation that was unsound at the com- 
mencement, and has been crumbling ever since. True re- 
ligion is founded on truth, and none other can, or should 
stand. But let us change the subject. Have you seen 
Mrs. Stedman ?” 

“ Oh yes,” said George, “and baby did all the talking.” 

“ He is a talkative youngster, for one of his years ; but 
then he has a nice mother you know,” replied De la Rue. 

“ Did you ever meet her cousin, Eugene ? She is quite 
pretty and an awful nice girl ; she has only one fault — ” 


ETHEUa PERPLEXITY. 


45 


‘‘Only one?” 

“ Positively only one.” 

“ I hope that is not incurable.” 

“ Oh do let me get on with my story. As I said before 
she has only one serious fault, and that is, she’s always get- 
ting one excited over a story, that has such a fine point no 
one but herself can see it.” 

“ After you are married, take her travelling, show her 
the world, give her something to tell about that has a 
point,” laughed De la Rue. 

“ What a fellow you are,” said George blushing scarlet. 
“ Who said anything about marriage ? I must go. Good 
night.” 

“ Wait a moment,” said De la Rue taking his hat, “ and 
I will go with you.” And the two friends left the house 
together. 

As they passed the corner of Thirteenth Street and 
Broadway, a tall finely-dressed gentleman, with black beard 
and moustache, asked De la Rue for a light, and as the 
stranger was lighting his cigar, De la Rue was startled to 
hear a whisper — that appeared to come from the other side 
of the street — say, “Am on the track, will report to-mor- 
row.” 

There was no one on the opposite side of the street ; and 
the well-dressed gentleman having lighted his cigar, thanked 
De la Rue, and passed on. “Well that was strange. Did 
you speak to me George ?” 

“ Not a word.” 

“ I thought some one did, but suppose I am mistaken. 
I must leave you here,” and De la Rue was off. 


46 


ETHEnS PERPLEXITY, 


CHAPTER XIII. 

The next morning, the early mail brought Mr. De la 
Rue the following letter : 

“ N. Y., Dec., 18— 

Eugene De la Rue, Esq. : 

^^Dear Sir, — Agreeable to your instructions, I presented 
your letter to Mr. Frank Clark, and that gentleman after a 
diligent search, was unable to find the original order but 
showed me a copy. I told him a copy would be of no pos- 
sible use to me, nevertheless I looked it over, and as is my 
custom, became familiar with the hand and as it turned out 
am glad I did so, for it may be of service, as you will see fur- 
ther on. I then called on the Montauk Life Insurance Com- 
pany and they very kindly showed me the bonds, and mort- 
gages, that you desired my opinion upon. They consisted of 
five bonds of ten thousand each, with corresponding mort- 
gages, transferred by Laurence Page, guardian, to Ethel 
Wisner Stedman and again transferred by Ethel Wisner 
Stedman to the Montauk Life Insurance Company. Both 
these transfers seem to have been before the same notary, 
and Loraine Stedman (who I presume is the husband), 
appears to have signed the bond with her at the period 
of the last transfer. I have given the signatures close 
study, and I have no hesitation in pronouncing all, after 
the transfer by Mr. Page, to be clever forgeries, made 
by a skilful penman, the county clerk’s certificate, being 
the only genuine thing about the transfers. I then called 
on the Tenth National Life Company, and found five bonds 
of ten thousand each, with corresponding mortgages, in pre- 
cisely the same condition, except that the body of one of the 


ETHEU8 PERPLEXITY. 


47 


transfers is in the handwriting of the person who made 
the copy of the order Mr. Clark exhibited to me. I will 
call on this gentleman again and see if he has found the 
original order, and report further ; but I deemed the dis- 
covery I had made of such importance that I make ihis par- 
tial report. Respectfully, 

‘‘Bevekly Hukter.” 

P. S. — I also discovered the notarial seal used to 
verify Mr. Page’s transfer, and the others, were slightly 
different.” 

Mr. De la Rue read the letter very attentively, and 
muttered Too weak for a oase yet.” 

Then drawing a sheet of note-paper toward him he 
wrote : 

*‘N. Y., Dec., 18—. 

^‘Beybkly Hunter, Esq.: 

“ Sir, — R eport not full enough. I showed you two 
letters. Did the writer of either commit the forgeries ? 

‘^Respectfully, etc., 

“Eugene De la Rue.” 

He dispatched the note, and then went on with his 
office work, in which he had been engaged some time, when 
chancing to look up, he saw Mr. Pinkton in precisely the 
same seat that he had occupied some weeks before and just 
as immovable. 

“ Is that you, Pinkton ? I would have sworn I heard 
some one say in Broadway last night, you would be here to- 
day. But I did not see any one to say it.” 

“ It is true. I said it,” he replied softly.” 

“ The d — 1 you did. Where were you ? I did’nt see 
you.” 

“ Oh yes, you did. I asked you for a light ?” 

“ Good heavens, was that you ? Well your disguise was 
just perfect. Let me hear your report.” 


48 


ETHEL’S PERPLEXITY, 


Mr. Pinkton seized his left hand, with his right. 
‘‘ Point one, he went here he dropped a finger. Point 
two, he went in the Scotia checking off another. 

Point three, a woman was paid to take him checking 
off another. Point four, same as number three,” this 
he did not check. Point five, has he had any large sums 
of money lately ? No again checking. Point six and 
last, has he offered any securities for sale lately, if so what? 
None of any kind here he dropped the whole hand. 

‘‘You have answered my questions, as I propounded 
them,” said De la Kue, “but I want a more detailed 
account.” 

“It is a very nice case, very indeed ; a good brain 
planned it. Mrs. Bruce who kept a fashionable boarding- 
house of a rather doubtful reputation, was induced to sell her 
furniture and good-will to Mrs. Lewis for four thousand 
dollars, but she also agreed to take a gentleman friend of 
said Mrs. Lewis to Europe and not to leave him until she 
should place him in the interior of France. This gentle- 
man was over fond of stimulants, and if a plentiful supply 
was furnished him, he could be easily managed. I have 
only obtained this information. If you wish more I fear I 
must ask another fifty. Making love is one of the most 
expensive parts of our profession, and there is no other way 
of getting at the prime mover in this affair. Mrs. Lewis is 
one of the most skittish women I have the pleasure of 
knowing.” 

“ Pinkton if you will give me another week of your 
time, you shall have the other fifty, but remember, don’t 
ask for another cent.” 

Mr. Pinkton got up from his chair, wiped his hat with 
the sleeve of his coat and said, “ If convenient a check for 
a couple of hundred on account, would be agreeable.” 

Eugene gave him the check, and the interview ended, 
Mr. Pinkton promising to make a further report in a few 


ETREV8 PERPLEXITY. 


49 


CHAPTER XIV. 

WHEif Mr. Page heard- of Ethel’s trouble, he was among 
the first to call on her, and finding she had confided her 
affairs to Mr. He la Rue, he went at once to that gentle- 
man’s office, to offer his assistance. 

Mr. Page was strongly prejudiced against Mr. Stedman, 
and of course was at once led to believe he had not only 
deserted, but robbed his wife, and child. But De la Rue 
did not take this view of the case, and so informed Mr. 
Page, although he did not inform him of the facts on 
which he based his conclusions. These he kept to himself 
for the present for he had not as yet anything tangible. 

Mr. Hunter had unearthed a clew that he hoped might 
lead to important results, if it could be successfully worked 
out. One of the transfers, Mr. Hunter reported was not 
in a forged handy and he felt positive that the hand that 
copied the order, of Mrs. Stedman, wrote this transfer. A 
very important point then, was to find out who this party 
was. 

After pondering over this matter for some time he 
touched the knob for a messenger boy. In a few moments 
an uncommonly bright looking boy appeared in response. 

He la Rue regarded him a moment and said, You are 
the same boy I sent with a message to Mr. Frank Clark are 
you not ? ” 

That was in Nassau Street ; oh yes, I remember,” said 
the boy. 

Why do you remember ? ” queried He la Rue. 

^‘Because Jim Simmons gets three dollars a week, for 


60 


ETHEU8 PERPLEXITY. 


sitting in his office just doing almost nothing, while I, my ! 
how I have to go it.” 

‘^So Jim Simmons is a friend of yours is he ? Can he 
write ? ” 

Oh yes, Jim can write, but he aint a buster at it ” re- 
plied the boy. 

‘‘ Could you get me a specimen of his writing if I gave 
you a quarter ? ” 

“You aint going to get Jim in trouble are you?” 
said the boy quickly. 

“ Oh, no nothing of the sort. I only want to see if he 
is the party that copied some papers I am interested in, that 
is all.” 

- ^ Well if that is the case, give us the quarter, and I will 
get the writing in a jiffy. But say misther. Just put on 
my card a half hour extra, for you have kept me talking 
all that time, and the office is awful particular.” 

In a short time he returned, with a specimen of Jim 
Simmons’ writing — a cramped school-boy hand. De la Eue 
felt convinced he had seen no such writing on any of the 
transfers, n'evertheless he sent it to Mr. Hunter, enclosed 
in the following letter : 

“ N. Y., Dec., 18—. 

“Beverly Hukter, Esq.: 

“ Dear Sir, — Is the enclosed writing similar to that of 
the copy of order, and assignment of mortgage ? 

“Yours, etc., 

“Eugene De la Rue.” 

This he sent by the same messenger boy, and received 
in response the following : 

“N. Y., Dec., 18—. 

“ Eugene De la Rue, Esq. : 

“ Sir, — T he specimen sent me is not the same. I am 
convinced on close examination that the writer we are in 


ETHEL’IS PERPLEXITY. 


51 


search of, is a woman, and that she has tried to write like 
a man. There are a few peculiarities in the hand, a man 
never makes use of. Kespectfully, etc., 

“Beverly Hui^ter.” 

This confirmed De la Eue’s own opinion, and he was at 
a loss what further steps to take ; finally deciding to take 
no further action, until he received the reports of Hunter, 
and Pinkton. 

He had scarcely formed that opinion, when the latter 
person made his appearance. 

“You are back soon ; any new developments ? ” said 
De la Eue abruptly. 

“'Yes, and no. I have discovered Mrs. Lewis received 
a cool five thousand from the party who was interested in 
the flight of Stedman, that she thinks she has a hold, by 
which she can get five thousand more, and she considers 
it such a remarkably fine cow to milk, she is not disposed 
to sell it at any price. She is a clever woman, very, and I 
was surprised she was so foolish, as to believe I thought her 
cow was a woman.” Here he laughed in his noiseless 
way. “ And so, I am here to ask a look at your hand ; 
there is no use my wasting time finding out wnat you know 
already. A square deal atween us is best I reckon.” Hav- 
ing made this long speech Mr. Pinkton relapsed into 
silence, and sat as immovably,- as on his first visit. 

De la Eue was much impressed with what the man said, 
and after a moment’s thought, determined to confide the 
whole story to the detective ; and, in as few words as possi- 
ble, gave a history of the case, as far as he himself knew 
it, also showing him Mr. Hunter’s letter. 

Pinkton was an attentive listener, and when De la Eue 
finished, said “ I see one or two clews ; but don’t take no 
stock in that handwriting business. Why I’ll fetch a regi- 
ment of them fellows, and there won’t be one, in ten, as 
will agree.” 


52 


ETEEUS PERPLEXITY. 


“With all due deference to your opinion, I place great 
reliance upon it,” said De la Kue ; “ and if we could suc- 
ceed in finding the person who copied that order, I should 
see daylight.” 

“Oh ril find that party easily enough,” replied Pink- 
ton indifferently rising from his chair. 

“Find that party” said De la Kue “and then I will 
show you my power as a detective. But it may be a more 
difficult task than you imagine.” 

But he was alone almost before the sentence was finished. 
Mr. Pinkton did not appear to relish any reflection on his 
power. 


CHAPTER XV. 

Susie Vah Autweep, who was a kind-hearted girl, 
no sooner heard of Loraine Stedman’s cruel desertion of 
Ethel, than she hastened to resume her former relation 
with the young mother, and endeavor to divert her mind, 
by the rehearsal of an unlimited amount of pointless stories, 
and adventures. It was in the attention she showed to 
the little adventurer, on the sea of life,” that the best por- 
tion of her character expressed itself. She had the most 
wonderful power in exorcising those ills that afflict baby- 
hood, and the most violent attack of colic, vanished at once 
under her skilful manipulation. “Like begets like,” and 
baby Stedman became as much attached to Susie, as she to 
him. It was hard for Ethel to suppress a feeling of jeal- 
ousy, when the young man crowed and stretched out his 
little chubby hands toward her, the moment Susie entered 
the room. It seemed to the poor mother at these times as 
if another, was coming between her and all she had left on 
earth ; but she checked the feeling instantly, as being 
absurd. 


ETHEL'S PERPLEXITY. 


53 


As Susie was a daily visitor, George Poultney had a re- 
markable amount of business to attend to, for his sister or 
Mrs. Stedman, and either by accident or design, he always 
happened to call when Susie was in the house, and somehow 
that young lady was the medium of communication between 
the deserted wife, and the young man. Of course George 
always wanted to see the baby, and Susie went upstairs to 
fetch it. Ah ! is there anything on earth, that can bring 
men and women into closer communion than a bright, 
pretty rosy baby ? And somehow, this little deserted crea- 
ture, acted the part of Dan Cupid, and thrust love’s dart 
deep in the hearts of each, and he did it so skilfully, that 
the operation was painless until each at almost the same 
moment, discovered their danger, and trying to dislodge the 
weapon found how deeply it was imbedded, and how impos- 
sible to withdraw, without leaving a gaping wound behind. 

So George on making this discovery, dislodged baby’s 
hand from his own plumb finger, and took that of Susie’s 
which lay unoccupied in her lap. You know,” he said, 
there is no poetry in my nature, and what I have to say, I 
say in as plain words as I can employ. We have known 
each other for some time. Do you think you would care 
enough for me, to let me hold this hand for ever, as that of 
my wife’s ?” 

Susie trembled violently, but did not withdraw her 
hand, and her answer was so low, that you, or I could not 
have heard it ; but it so emboldened George, that he arose, 
and kissed her, and she was not angry ; but baby was. 
That young gentleman did not like the idea of playing sec- 
ond fiddle, and used his lungs, so vigorously, Susie was 
obliged to take him upstairs. And George putting on his 
hat left the house, in a very hilarious frame of mind. 

Feeling thus he took his way toward his uncle’s, Mr. 
Page. As George had no father, this gentleman had almost 
supplied that position to the young man. As already ob- 
served, Mr. Page was peculiar in many of his ideas but the 


54 


ETHEna PERPLEXITY. 


soul of honor, and one of the kindest men in the world. 
George respected, honored and, if the truth must be told, 
feared him just a little, for at times the old gentleman’s 
tongue was a trifle severe. So as he ascended his steps, he 
found himself quieting down, and by the time he entered 
the house, there was a beating of the heart, that was not 
exultation. 

The servant informed him, 'that his uncle was in the 
library, and alone, so he went directly to that room, and 
found Mr. Page seated in a large reading chair, with one 
of his legs, which was clothed in flannel wrappings, raised 
on a support, busily engaged on the third volume of Gib- 
bon. 

Ah ! George ! glad to see you, take a chair. All well 
I hope. Got an attack of my old enemy you see. Only 
shows how careful one should be. Here am I, one of the 
most temperate men in town, a martyr to the gout, suffer- 
ing for the gluttony, or drunkenness of my progenitors.” 

‘‘ The penalty of good blood,” said George. 

Good blood ! good blood ! How I detest that slang. 
If one’s ancestors have done anything to make the world 
better, or enlarge the mind of man, it is well enough to be 
proud of them ; but the proudest are those whose progeni- 
tors by successful fraud, knavery — or the juggling of mer- 
chandising have accumulated money, which allows their 
descendants to live in idleness. But you did not come here 
to talk on these matters, what can I do for you, nephew ?” 

Oh nothing,” answered George embarrassed. I only 
wanted to tell you something — I am, I’m engaged to be 
married.” 

To be married ? And pray what for ?” asked his 
uncle quickly. 

‘‘ That is rather an odd question sir, what does anyone 
get married for ?” responded George. 

God knows, I don’t,” said the old gentleman, “ in this 
age of marine divorces, delicate women, and puppy dogs.” 


ETHEL’S PERPLEXITY. 


55 


Then yon disapproA^e of marriage questioned George 
provoked. 

‘‘I said nothing of the kind, young man. Marriage 
properly entered into, for the legitimate object for which 
the institution was organized, I regard as the happiest lot 
of both sexes ; but modern marriages, what are they ? Our 
girls destroy the health God intended they should enjoy by 
the most skilful dress that was ever invented to destroy the 
human form ; the baby that was intended as the crowning 
joy of woman’s life, is regarded as the curse that fell on 
Eve ; and love, has degenerated into the mere supplying 
material wants and the consequence is, in a very short time 
the married couple find they enjoy life much more comfort- 
ably, apart ; and if they don’t get a divorce it would be 
much more decent if they did ?” 

'' Then you don’t approve of my marriage, sir ?” con- 
tinued George. 

What a numskull you are,” said the irritable old gen- 
tleman, not to understand me. We are only animals, 
but animals of the very highest order, and as God created 
us in his own image, we should not despise the casket he 
chose to put the soul in. Now the soul don’t marry. It 
is the body that marries. We have the highest authority 
for saying that. In the soul’s final resting-place, there is ^ no 
giving in marriage.’ Such being the case, any young man 
or woman, who marries and having disease likely to descend 
to their offspring commits a positive crime. I speak thus 
plainly to you young man, because the great mass of women, 
dispute this idea, and have some intangible mythical idea 
about the marriage of the soul. If your intended has any 
such views, I pray you to avoid marriage, as you would the 
plague, or in a short time you will be getting, or rather 
taking a marine divorce. But who is she, nephew ? Who 
is she ?” said Mr. Page having talked himself into a good- 
humor. 

Oh, one I think you will like,” replied the young 


56 


ETHEL’S PERPLEXITY. 


man ; healthy (you see I put that first) sensible, pretty, 
amiable and dotes on babies, her name is Susie Van An- 
twerp ?” 

You don’t say so ? My old friend John’s daughter,” 
shouted the delighted uncle. ‘‘Take me to her at once 
and the old gentleman put his foot down, but his gayety 
came to a sudden end, for he fairly yelled with pain, and 
was obliged to send his congratulations and defer his visit 
until another day. Much relieved G-eorge took his leave. 


CHAPTER XVI. 

Theee was a great deal of good in Clarence Raymond 
if one could only get at it ; at least so thought Mary Poult- 
ney, after George had given his experience of the night 
when and how he left Clarence at his door and stood a long 
cross-questioning from her in regard to the young man. 
She was particularly struck with the fact, that he had 
neither father, mother, brother or sister, in fact no near 
relation, and she got it into her head, the cause of his dis- 
sipation, was the lack of proper home associates. 

So she made George bring the young man to dinner, 
and when he came, did her utmost to entertain him. As- 
certaining by her fine tact the subjects he was best posted 
upon, she led him to talk upon them, and listened with 
apparent interest while he gave a detailed account of the 
plays, and actresses of the day. Little by little she changed 
the subject to the events of the day, and before the evening 
was over, they had become good friends, and Clarence 
found himself appealing to her for information, as one 
would turn over the pages of a lexicon. When he reached 
home, he was not only surprised to find how late it was, 
but what a delightful evening he had spent. 


ETHEL’8 PERPLEXITY. 


57 


In a short time he called again. George was out the 
servant told him, but Miss Mary was in, and somehow he 
would stop and see her ; and it was again late before he re- 
turned home. 

And he was engaged to go to see some pictures with 
Miss Mary in the morning. Now he had never cared for 
paintings, they always seemed to him like blotches here and 
there stuck on canvas and handsomely framed, but that 
evening Miss Poultney (who was a good artist by the way), 
had as it were taken him behind the scenes, and taught 
him how to read the thoughts of the artist as written on 
the canvas. She also read to him ; and books he had always 
avoided, appeared in a new light, and he was led to enter 
und explore more fully their hidden beauties. It was not 
many weeks, before he found he had more real enjoyment 
in the society of this plain simple woman, who was at least 
ten years his senior, than at the club, theatre or elsewhere. 
Mary Poultney felt she was doing a good missionary work, 
and of course became as much interested, as do those honest 
workers, when they find an intelligent heathen inclined to 
leave his false gods, and cleave to the one, they worship. 

So she liked Clarence, and took solid enjoyment in de- 
veloping his latent powers, and they visited galleries, and 
attended lectures together, and when Booth was playing 
Shakespearean plays, she so far broke through her puritan 
trammels, as to go with him on more than one occasion to 
the theatre. And she was almost ashamed of the care she 
bestowed on her dress, but she said to herself, when a young 
man goes out with an “ old lady’’ she must look her best. 

Weeks rolled into months, and it became the habit of 
the young man, to spend at least three evenings of the 
week in Miss Mary’s society ; and just as he was about to 
leave one night, he said, “ Why what will become of you 
when George marries ?” 

‘‘ Oh I guess he will have a chimney corner for the old 
maid,” she replied. 


58 


ETHEUS PERPLEXITY, 


Why don’t you marry he continued. 

‘^Simply because no one wants me/’ she answered 
laughing. 

‘‘ Eeally now, why don’t you ?” he queried. 

You men seem to think the end, and aim, of women 
is to marry,” she said, while we think it only an episode 
in our existence.” 

‘‘Do you know I think we would be happy, if we were 
to marry,” continued Clarence. 

“ What on earth are you talking about Clarence Eay- 
mond. I am almost old enough to be your mother.” 

“ So much the better,” exclaimed the young man. 
“You can be both wife and mother. You know I never 
saw my parents, and I have often longed for a mother.” 

“We are trifling with a serious matter,” said the lady 
showing considerable excitement in her manner. 

“Mary Poultney, I was never more serious in my life. 
I seem to tread a new earth since I made your acquaintance, 
and see and enjoy its beauties. Suppose you are ten years 
my senior, what of it ? I had a cousin who married a wid- 
ow fifteen years older than himself, besides she had three 
large children, and they were as happy, as the day is long.” 

“ Clarence Eaymond if I did not love you, I might be 
silly enough to accept your offer, but as I do, I bid you 
choose one of your own age, one congenial ; and I will help 
you to find her.” 

“It is no use ; you are the only woman I ever saw I 
would care to live with. I was engaged to one once, for 
just twenty-four hours, and was the happiest man you ever 
saw when she broke it off.” 

“ You would be still happier, to break off from me,” 
she said. “ Think how the world would talk.” 

“Well let it talk. I don’t care. And since you have 
said you like me, I don’t mean to take no for an answer. ” 

Mary Poultney, was deeply affected. She was one of 
those intense natures, who by constant study, have acquired 


ETHEL’S PERPLEXITY. 


59 


a calm exterior, and she could not trust herself to continue 
the conversation at the moment, but suffering the young 
man to take her hand, said, “Not another word to-night. 
Go home, think the matter over, calmly and quietly, and if 
you should remain of the same mind, come and see me to- 
morrow night.” And she did not resist when Clarence 
placed his arm around her waist, and kissed her good-night. 
.The young man obeyed her injunction, and did not say 
another word, but left at once. 

When he had left her, she stood like a statue for a few 
moments, then walked toward the pier-glass, and gazed fix- 
edly on the reflection of herself. Finally a smile broke over 
her face, and continued until she left the room. 


CHAPTEE XVII. 

Mr. Frank Clark found laying on his desk one morn- 
ing the following letter : 

“ My Dear Friend : 

“ When you loaned me the five thousand dollars, to buy 
this establishment, and told me you would never require its 
repayment provided I aided you in getting rid of an obnox- 
ious individual, I thought the sum in question would be all 
I should require. But I find myself mistaken ; it will take 
much more. I could get on for the present with a thousand 
additional, which please send at once and oblige 

“ Yours, 

Lizzie Lewis.” 

p. s. — I hope you will send it at once, as it is such a 
paltry amount in comparison with the vast sum I helped 
you to acquire. ‘^L. L.” 


60 


ETHEUS PERPLEXITY. 


Mr. Clark read this epistle over twice, then arose and 
walking up and down his office, seemed rather disturbed by 
its contents. 

Ah he muttered, that explains her coolness. 
After blackmail is she ? Is she alone or has she an accom- 
plice ? If alone there is a little bit of her family history 
that I possess that will have a quieting effect upon her, if 
there is a stronger mind guiding her, it may give me 
trouble.” 

At this moment he turned and found he was not alone. 
An old man was standing perfectly immovable just within 
the door, waiting patiently to be noticed ; he was bent, very 
decrepit, and wore glasses. 

‘‘ What do you want?” said Mr. Clark sharply, ^‘and 
how long have you been standing there ?” 

Some little time. I did not like to disturb you, so did 
not speak,” replied the old man in a feeble voice. 

Well what do you want ?” 

I called to get your name, if you will kindly give it, 
to the petition to have the fare reduced on the elevated road. 
Your neighbors have all signed it.” 

Oh that’s it, is it ; let me have your book,” and he sat 
down at his desk to write his name. 

Somehow the old man’s hand trembled so as he laid his 
book on the desk, he dislodged the letter Mr. Clark had 
just been reading, and it fell to the ground. 

There is no other person in the office, to sign is there ?” 
queried the old man ; we are instructed to get all the 
names we can, and an office-boy counts as well as another.” 

•‘Yes there is a boy outside ; tell him I say to sign it.” 

“ Thanks/’ said the man, and took his departure. 

He had not been gone many minutes when Mr. Clark 
missed the letter, and was utterly unable to find it. He 
rang his bell, and the office-boy entered. “ I left a letter 
on my desk a moment ago, and it has gone, have you seen 
it ?” 


ETHEU8 PERPLEXITY. 


61 


‘‘No sir,” replied the boy, “ I remember putting a let- 
ter on your desk, but that was before you arrived, this morn- 
ing and I have not been in the room since.” 

“ Did you sign your name to a petition, for an old man 
just now ?” asked Mr. Clark continuing his search. 

“No sir, he never asked me to sign no name, and he 
got out of the oflSce right cute, he did.” 

“ The d — 1 he did. Kun with all your might, and if 
you overtake him and get that letter, I will give you half 
a dollar,” shouted Mr. Clark. 

The boy needed no other incentive, and started like a 
race-horse ; but there was no old man to be seen, and 
neither the boy’s, or Mr. Clark’s more careful inquiries, 
could discover that any such person as they described, had 
left the building. 

If the letter had made Mr. Clark feel uncomfortable, 
the episode made him seriously alarmed. The object of 
Mrs. Lewis’ letter was very plain, but what could be the 
object of its theft ? 

He left his office early, and went directly to the house of 
Mrs. Lewis, but this lady was either out, or, and the latter 
oase was the most likely, instructed the servant to say so ; 
he left his card and then went to the club but found only 
the same old set there, and as they knew his proclivity for 
winning, he was unable to get up a game of cards. He was 
just on the point of leaving, as Clarence Kaymond entered. 
Here was his man ; and on the moment, he made up his 
mind to send the 11000 to Mrs. Lewis, provided he won it 
from Clarence. And of this he felt very certain. 

“Hello Clarry, my boy, glad to see you. I feel as 
dull as a foggy night. Come, let us have a game of draw- 
poker. Sit down, sit down. Waiter, bring a bottle of ’33.” 

“ Clark, you must excuse me, really you must ; I’ve 
sworn off. Yes I have, honest Ingin.” As Mr. Clark 
smiled incredulously at Clarence, he added “ haven’t played 
or drank in a month.” 


62 


ETHEU8 PERPLEXITY. 


Well it’s time you commenced again or you will for- 
get how,” said Clark. “ Maybe you would rather be more 
private ; shall we go to parlor 0 ? 

Clarence recalled the conversation he had had a short 
time before with a certain lady and remained firm, in his 
determination neither to play, or drink. Nor was Mr. 
Clark’s sarcasm or ridicule capable of driving him from the 
determination. 

And that gentleman was obliged to desist. 

In no very agreeble frame of mind, Mr. Clark sat before 
the table on which the waiter had placed the bottle of 
’33, solitary and alone, Mr. Raymond having withdrawn on 
the plea of a prior engagement. 

Going to punish all that yourself ?” said a voice at his 
elbow, and looking up he saw a visitor whose acquaintance 
he had made a few evenings before. “You should have 
your friend Stedman here, he would have emptied it, in no 
time. By the by, where is he ? Haven’t seen him in an 
age ?” 

“ Really, as I am not his keeper, can’t say,” said Mr. 
Clark snappishly. 

“That’s true, I forgot you were only the keeper of his 
wife’s property, until he sent for it,” said the other ? 

“What do you mean sir ?” shouted Clark rising. “If 
you know anything about the affair, as your question would 
indicate, you should be aware of the fact, that Mrs. Sted- 
man sent me a written order for her bonds.” 

“ Oh yes, so I’m told ; but who wrote that order, — that’s 
the question ?” said the gentleman in the most confidential 
manner. 

“ When you show me, you have any right to inquire 
into the matter, we will discuss it ; until then if you please 
we will choose some other subject,” replied Mr. Clark in a 
haughty manner. 

But the gentleman was determinately good-natured and 
continued, “Now Mr. Clark I ask you frankly, if you 


ETHBB8 PERPLEXITY. 


63 


think anyone was paid to take Mr. Stedman out of the 
way ?” 

have already told you I don’t care to discuss the 
matter, and if you wish this table more than I do, it’s at 
your service. Waiter take this bottle away,” said Mr. Clark 
rising in a towering passion and leaving the room. 

His tormentor indulged, in what appeared from the ex- 
pression of his face, to be, a hearty laugh, but there was not 
a sound to confirm it. In a few moments he also left the 
club. 


CHAPTER XVIII. 

Maky Poultney kept her room during most of the next 
day, after the conversation with Clarence Raymond. The 
fact was, she was nervous, and was fearful she would show 
it, were she to venture down stairs, and therefore sent word 
to her brother, she was not feeling very well. -It was so 
unusual for his sister to be absent from a meal, that George 
went at once to Mary’s room, and it was a difficult matter 
to convince him there was no necessity of sending immedi- 
ately for a physician, in fact he only consented to wait until 
evening, and if she was not better by that time. Dr. Brown 
was to be summoned. 

The question uppermost in Miss Poultney’s mind was, 
would Clarence keep his engagement, and if he did would 
he confirm his proposition ? At the time she regretted not 
accepting his proposition, on the spot, she so longed for 
some one on whom she could lavish the long suppressed 
wealth of her affection. Then she checked these thoughts, 
as unworthy of her. She had reached that age, when one 
discovers that happiness, to be lasting, must be founded on 
reason, and she had the inward satisfaction of knowing. 


64 


ETHEL’S PERPLEXITY, 


even if she lost the prize she most coveted on earth, she 
had acted the part of a noble, sensible woman. 

About four o’clock she heard the door-bell ring, and the 
servant announced Mr. Eaymond. Mary Poultney was in 
dishabille, not expecting so early a visit, and bade the ser- 
vant say, she would be down in a moment. Poor woman 
her heart sank within her, for she had a presentiment that 
such an early call foreboded the destruction of her air castles. 
Nevertheless by a supreme effort, she assumed her usual 
calm exterior, but with a wildly palpitating heart descended 
to the parlor, and as she placed her hand on the door-knob, 
it seemed as if she left ‘^what might have been” on the 
outside. 

Clarence rose to receive her, and there was a look on 
his face she was at a loss to interpret. He took her hand 
and led her to the sofa. Mary Poultney if I had any 
doubts about the propriety of my actions, they were solved 
yesterday,” (here there was that look of angelic resignation 
on Mary’s face, that God has given to good women, for she 
felt the next sentence would end her dream). 

I came thus early, to tell you, that I obeyed your in- 
junction and have given the matter a night’s thought, and 
am convinced that in asking you to marry me, I did the 
one wise thing of a foolish life, and I am here to claim your 
promise ?” 

The denouement was so different, from what she had 
nerved herself to expect. Miss Poultney broke down en- 
tirely, and had as near an attack of hysterics, as such a 
sensible woman could have. And Clarence found himself 
called upon to play a new role, namely that of a consoler, 
and for a novice, he acted his part uncommonly well. 

He took her in his arms, and told her how her influence 
had given him strength, to resist not only the desire for 
drink, and play, but ridicule, and sarcasm. 

After a while she became calm, and that peculiar ex- 
pression of possession, which happy engaged, or married 


ETHEL’S PERPLEXITY. 


65 


•women always have, overspread her face, and to Clarence’s 
eyes, she became beautiful. 

After a while, George came in ; his first question was 
for Mary ; the servant told him she was in the parlor, with 
Mr. Kaymond. 

How long has she been there ?” he asked. 

Oh a long time ” he was answered. 

Confound the fellow, he will make the poor girl sick. 
Why don’t he have sense enough to go,” he muttered to 
himself, and determined to expedite matters, by going at 
once to the parlor. This he did, and found Clarry and his 
sister, seated on the same sofa, and engaged in confidential 
conversation. 

‘•Hello! I hope I don’t intrude?” he said drawing 
back. 

“ Oh no, said both,” at the same moment, blushing 
scarlet. 

“ The fact is, continued Clarry, we have just completed 
a little arrangement, that we want to consult you about. 
You see Mary has got tired of the name of Poultney, and 
thinks Raymond would sound better.” 

George looked at his sister for an explanation, and she 
arose, threw herself on his neck, and whispered ; “I do 
love him so.” 

“ Well I declare,” said George recovering from his sur- 
prise, “ if you are not a pair of slyboots. How did this ail 
come about ? ” and he sat down and listened to the story. 

And so Clarry stayed to dinner, and spent the evening. 
And the engagement became town talk ; the difference in 
age between the two was enlarged, or contracted, to suit 
the pleasure of the parties telling the tale ; but the princi- 
pals were too well pleased with each other to heed or care, 
what the world said. 


66 


ETHEUS PERPLEXITY, 


OHAPTEE XIX. 

Mk. De la Kue, had become impatient at the delay 
in hearing from Mr. Pinkton. Every time he entered his 
office his first question was, if he had called during his 
absence. At last he became so impatient he sat down at 
his desk, and wrote him a note, and arose to touch the knob 
to call a messenger, when in his usual place, he beheld the 
man he wanted. 

D n it, Pinkton, why don’t you enter one’s office 

like a creature of flesh and blood. I hate these stage tricks. 
Well what have you to report ? Something important I 
hope ; you have been long enough getting it. ” 

Well, yes 1 do consider it important. Yes, I must say 
I do,” replied Mr. Pinkton carefully stroking his hat, and 
speaking in his slow deliberate way. 

Have you discovered who made the copy of that 
order ? ” demanded De la Rue. 

That depends ; but if you will give me full swing, I 
will have the darbies on the chap as did the job in a jiffy,” 
answered the detective, caressing one hand, with the other. 

You will do nothing of the kind,” said De la Rue 
quickly. I want no arrests, only information ; and what- 
ever you have gained during the period I have employed 
you, I claim as belonging to me as per our contract.” 

That’s square ; all the information I obtained up to 
4.35 yesterday afternoon, is yours, as per bargain made, and 
payment made on account.” 

Unload your budget then,” said De la Rue. You 
are taking a fearful time doing it. Have you seen Mr, 
Clark ? ” 


ETHEL’S PERPLEXITY. 


67 


Oh yes, Pve seen Mr. Clark,” said the detective, with 
one of his noiseless chuckles, '' but I bet he would swear he 
never saw me. I saw him once at his office, and once at his 
club, and he dropped this letter, and I picked it up,” here 
he chuckled again. I got it before 4.35 o’clock, and so it 
belongs to you, but it’s a clincher, and you should remem- 
ber a poor man for it ; yes really you should Mr. De la Eue, 
for I must say, it was a leetle onregular the way I got it. 
Yes it was Mr. De la Rue.” 

This gentleman tired of the man’s long harangue, took 
the letter impatiently from the hand of Mr. Pinkton, and 
read its contents ; it was the document Mr. Clark so mys- 
teriously lost. De la Rue saw its importance at a glance, 
an importance even the detective was unaware of, and felt 
now his course was clear. But he was by no means disposed 
to let Mr. Pinkton any farther into his plans, so he folded 
the letter up and put it in his pocket, and taking out his\ 
check-book commenced to draw a check for the balance yet 
due Mr. Pinkton. 

This gentleman was by no means satisfied at the sudden 
termination of his employment, and told the lawyer the let- 
ter was his. 

Oh no, Mr. Pinkton, you are mistaken,” said De la 
Rue smiling blandly. You have just stated, it was pro- 
cured while you were in my service, prior to 4.35, you will 
remember. A bargain is a bargain.” 

‘‘And a d — d hard bargain for me. Why that letter’s 
worth thousands.” 

“ I don’t know but what you are right,” continued De la 
Rue pleasantly, lighting a cigar and offering one to the de- 
tective. “I feel very well satisfied with my investment.” 

Mr. Pinkton took the check, and the cigar ; he made it 
a point to take anything offered him, he said, and was fain 
to take his leave, Mr De la Rue promising to communicate 
with him should he again require his services. 

As he went out De la Rue said to himself. “It is for- 


68 


ETHEDS PERPLEXITY. 


tunate I have the letter. Pinkton would be more difficult to 
dislodge, than Clark. Now Mr. Hunter, if you confirm my 
opinion I will try my hand at detective work.’’ 

He arose touched the knob for a district telegraph boy, 
and by the time he appeared, had the following note writ- 
ten for him to deliver. 


“ N. Y., Jan., 18—. 

Beverly Hunter : 

‘^Dear Sir, — Come at once to my office ; have a letter 
to show you. Yours, 

^‘Eugene De la Eue.” 

The old gentleman soon arrived, and De la Eue showed 
him the letter. 

I think ” he said, the writer of this, copied the order, 
and wrote one of the assignments to the mortgage, but if 
you will let me take it to the insurance company, I will soon 
be positive.” 

Very well, take it, make a careful examination, and 
return as soon as possible.” 

While the old gentleman was gone, De la Eue sat buried 
in thought, planning his campaign. He knew he could 
arrest, and punish the forger, but this would not give Mrs. 
Stedman her money. He knew the life companies would 
never surrender the bonds, without a long, and expensive 
contest. So he laid his plans. 

Mr. Hunter returned, and reported that the writer of 
the letter he held in his hand, copied the order, and filled 
out the body, of one of the assignments ; the hand was dis- 
guised he said, but he would stake his reputation, on the 
fact that one hand wrote the three documents in question. 

Mr. De la Eue paid him for his services, and the old 
gentleman took his leave. 


ETHEL’S PERPLEXITY. 


69 


CHAPTEE XX. 

Mr. De la Eue took out his watch and smiled to see it 
was just 4.35 p. m. ; and said to himself, it was a lucky hour 
for me yesterday, suppose I commence my new plan at the 
same hour to-day. He was just on the point of going out, 
when who should make his appearance, but George Poult- 
ney. 

Going out ?” said George. 

Yes, I was, but there is nothing pressing. Is there 
anything I can do for the man who is shortly to be a Bene- 
dict ?” 

Which way were you going, up town ?” asked George. 

Yes, I am through with office business for the day. 
I am on my way up to Twenty- third Street.’’ 

“ If that is the case I will ride up with you, and we can 
talk as we go along.” And the two friends started off to- 
gether. 

How George what is it ? I know you have something 
to say from your actions,” remarked De la Eue. 

“ Eugene I fear you will think me a silly fellow, but if 
you could spare a moment to stop with me at Uncle Page’s, 
I would feel obliged. You see Mary has gone and engaged 
herself to' Clarence Eaymond, and the old gent has to be 
told of it. He is as queer about marriage, as you are about 
religion ; and he gave me such a raking the other day, when 
I told him of my little affair, I am not over anxious to tell 
him about sister’s. How do come, like a good fellow.” 

Indeed I will. I would do anything for Miss Mary. 
So she is going to marry Clarence Eaymond. Well, well, 
wonders will never cease. This is our street, pull the 
strap,” and the two friends got out. 


70 


ETHBrS PERPLEXITY. 


They found Mr. Page as before, in his library, his foot 
much better, but still unable to bear a shoe. Glad to see 
you, Mr. De la Eue. Glad to see you nephew ; haven’t 
been able to go see Susie yet, but Pm going. Heard any- 
thing from that thief Stedman yet ? (addressing De la Kue). 
Any chance of recovering the plunder ?” 

Eugene thus addressed, said, As I told you the other 
da}^, I am convinced Stedman is not the thief, and I have 
strong hopes of making the robbers disgorge.” 

“ I hope so, I hope so ; and I have no doubt you are 
acting wisely. What do you think of George becoming a 
Benedict ?” 

Oh I approve of it highly : and I hear his sister is to 
follow suit.” 

“ What ! what ! what !” said the old gentleman rising, 
regardless of his gouty foot. 

Yes, sir it is true,” said George, ^^she is engaged to 
Clarence Kaymond.” 

“ The d — 1 she is. How George there is a case just the 
reverse of what we were talking of, a woman who has done 
everything in her power, to keep perfect and well the casket 
God put the soul into, is going to marry a man who has 
done all in his power to destroy his. What does the hussy 
mean ; is she crazy ? Why the thing she is going to marry, 
is a card playing drunkard ?” 

Was almost as bad as you paint him, but she has re- 
formed him,” said George. 

Reformed him ! Nonsense. But the fellow must 
have a glimmering of sense to like her. And then Mary 
ought to marry. God made her for matrimony, she would 
make the truest wife, and best mother in the world ;” and 
Mr. Page hobbled up, and down the room in great excite- 
ment. Was afraid to come tell me this alone, was you, 
eh ! nephew ?” 

At this the old gentleman rang his bell violently, his 
man servant answered it, and he bade him call a coach. 


ETHEVS PERPLEXITY. 


71 


I will go see Mary at once. Is she happy ?” 

‘‘Never saw a person more so/’ said George. 

De la Eue finding that he had opened the subject, and 
could be of no farther use, took his leave. 

De la Eue went directly to the house of Mrs. Lewis in 
Twenty-third Street, rang the door-bell, and was told by 
the servant who answered it, that she did not know whether 
her mistress was in or not. If he would please give her his 
name and business, she would see. 

Eugene felt convinced that the shadow behind the glass 
door of the extension room, was that of the woman he was 
in search of, so he spake so that she could hear, as he 
handed his card to the servant saying, “ My name is on 
that card, but my business is of such a character, I should 
merit your mistress’ displeasure, did I communicate it to 
anyone but herself.” 

The servant departed to find her mistress, and De la 
Eue heard loud whisperings in the room where he saw the 
shadow. 

After a few moments the servant returned, and told De 
la Eue her mistress bade her to say, “If he could not send 
word what he wanted, he could go about his business for 
all her.” 

On receipt of this uncivil reply, De la Eue determined 
to try if he could not bring madam to terms, and taking 
one of his cards from his pocket, he wrote the following, 
“ The reason Mr. De la Eue does not communicate what he 
has to say to Madam Lewis, through her servant, is because 
he would feel called upon to employ a police ofiQcer, did he 
not see Madam Lewis personally.” He handed it to the 
servant, and said he would wait just five minutes, for an 
answer. 

But he did not have to wait that time, before a large 
full-faced fiashily-dressed woman made her appearance and 
said, “ You wanted to see me so badly ; now what is it ?” 

De la Eue rose as she entered, but when she spoke re- 


72 


ETHEnS PEBPLEXITT. 


sumed his seat saying coolly, think you had better take 
a seat, as it will take some little time, to tell the cause of 
my call.’’ 

I am the hostess here, and when I want people to be 
seated I will ask them.” 

Oh ! as you please,” said the lawyer. If it is more 
comfortable to stand, do so, Mrs. Lewis. I thought I 
would have a little talk with you, before having you ar- 
rested.” 

‘‘ Oh ! you come from Mr. Clark, do you ? He have me 
arrested ! If he don’t send me that money before the day 
is out, he will soon be behind the iron musquito netting.” 
She fairly hissed out the last portion of her speech. 

“You mistake Mrs. Lewis, and I fear you are impru- 
dent. I scarcely know Mr. Clark, and am by no means his 
friend.” 

Mrs. Lewis here used a very wicked expression, and 
asked who he was then. 

“ Merely a lawyer,” replied De la Eue, “ whose client 
has been robbed of a sum, which I am anxious to recover.” 

“You don’t think I have it do you ?” broke in the 
woman. 

“ Madam, as I remarked before, I am a lawyer, and 
would advise you to be careful, in your expressions. I have 
already told you I am after stolen money. It is the busi- 
ness of the State, not mine, to punish criminals, and if they 
will not heed what I have to say, I must ask the State to 
act.” 

“ I reckon you are a cute one, but don’t think women 
are all fools.” Here she took a seat. “Go on and say 
what you have to say, and say it quickly.” 

“ Thank you,” replied De la Eue in a perfectly un- 
ruffled tone of voice ; and Mrs. Lewis I am going to be 
very frank with you, for I feel such a sensible person as 
yourself must look upon an arrest, and the public exposure 
it creates, as one of the great misfortunes of life. You 


ETHEU8 PERPLEXITY. 


73 


assisted at a forgery, and under the laws you are liable as 
one of the principals in the crime,” (at this point Mrs. 
Lewis turned deadly pale ; until this moment she supposed 
the lawyer’s call was in regard to the letter she had writ- 
ten Mr. Clark). Now I have already stated my object is 
to recover the money, and surely such a sensible woman as 
yourself, would be glad to make an affidavit, stating the 
innocent part she took in robbing one of her own sex, par- 
ticularly as by declining she would make it my duty to 
cause her arrest, by the officer whom, if she will take "the 
trouble to go to the window, she will find sitting on the 
stoop of the house opposite.” 

Mr. Lawyer I aint going to be bulldozed with signing 
no paper, stating a thing you, or no other man, can prove,” 
replied the woman. 

The facts I wish you to swear to, are merely these, 
you copied in a handwriting resembling a man’s, an assign- 
ment of mortgage, to the Tenth National Insurance Com- 
pany ; for your services in the matter, as well as in aiding 
the departure of an obnoxious individual, you were paid five 
thousand dollars. Such a large sum, for so simple a matter, 
must have aroused your suspicions, but if it had not, making 
a copy of the order for the bonds, and writing a blackmail- 
ing letter, shows that you were perfectly familiar with the 
whole transaction. I am sorry Mrs. Lewis you do not take 
my view of the matter. I assure you I dislike causing your 
arrest, but there is nothing else for me to do.” 

Here De la Rue arose from his seat ; but his companion 
did not do so, but leaning back in her chair said, How 
much will you give me for the paper you want ?” 

If there is to be any paying, surely I am the person 
to receive it, for that paper is the only thing that will keep 
you out of State prison ; and the term for such an offence 
would be ten years.” 

What did you say your name was ? Pray be seated 
sir. I think we can arrange our little business, without the 


74 : 


ETHEnS PERPLEXITY. 


aid of your friend on the opposite door-step. Shall I 
ring for pen, ink and paper ?” Mrs. Lewis said all this in 
the most agreeable manner. And De la Kue, taking her at 
her word, drew an affidavit on the spot, which she signed 
and swore to before a notary. Having obtained which, he 
felt he had a weapon, with which he could recover Mrs. 
Stedman’s money. 


CHAPTEK XXL 

Mk. Page’s excitement had somewhat subsided before 
he reached the house of his niece, and when she had made 
her appearance, and threw her arms around his neck, the 
ugly things he had determined to say to her vanished and 
in their place he merely remarked, ‘‘ Mary my dear, I fear 
you have been rash.” 

Still holding his hand, and looking him full in the face, 
with her honest eyes, she asked “Has George told you 
about Clarence ?” 

“No,” said Mr. Page laughing, “but he has told me 
about Mary.” 

“Then you think me silly, uncle, to marry one so much 
my junior ?” 

“ Well, to tell you the truth,” replied the uncle, “I did 
not think of that, I only thought of the man’s habits.” 

“ Oh ! that is nothing ; Clarence has mended all that, 
but those dreadful ten years cannot be remedied, and so I 
told him, and I made him go home and think of it for 
twenty-four hours. Oh ! I was so fearful I might do wrong, 
but I prayed fervently to be guided aright, and when he re- 
turned and still asked my hand it seemed as if the good 
Lord had heard the prayer.” 


ETHEL’S PERPLEXITY. 


75 


dear niece, do you think habits that have been 
many years in forming themselves, can be changed in a 
day ?” 

Clarence was dissipated, because having no home, he 
was thrown in that class of society, and knew no other, but 
since he has known us, why you could not induce him to go 
back to his old associates ; his mind was like a fruitful gar- 
den overrun with weeds ; we have destroyed the latter, and 
while I live, they will never grow again ; but the flowers 
will so increase that their fragrance shall be a delight to all 
who come within their influence.’’ 

‘‘ My darling niece, I came to scold, but you have dis- 
armed me. If you can raise Clarence to your level, you will 
both be happy, but it is an experiment in which few succeed, 
and failure is misery. You are old enough to be your own 
judge in the matter, I pray God to aid you. There, there, 
don’t cry, or you will make me do the same. I will see 
the boy and talk to him. Good-bye,” and imprinting a 
kiss on his niece’s forehead the old man hobbled out of the 
room. 

When in his carriage, he began to feel provoked at him- 
self for being so easily silenced, and determined to free his 
mind to Clarence, toward whose quarters he directed the 
coachman to drive him. 

Here he alighted and was shown into some elegant apart- 
ments, that had lately been erected for the accommodation 
of bachelors. Clarence, clothed in dressing-gown and slip- 
pers, arose from a reading-chair, to receive his visitor. 

So sir,” said the old gentleman by no means mollified 
by the luxurious surroundings, ^‘you are engaged to my 
niece, Mary Poultney, what does it mean ?” 

Clarence who had often heard Mary speak of her uncle’s 
peculiarities, hastened to roll him up an easy-chair, and 
while Mr. Page was taking it, said quietly found a pearl 
of great price hidden from the world by its own modesty, 
and I made bold to seize it.” 


76 


ETHEL! S PERPLEXITY. 


suppose you found that nonsense in the novel I saw 
you lay down as I came in. If you read such stuff of course 
you can only speak in that sentimental way, but if you think 
life, particularly married life, is made of hearts, and darts, 
and the stupid trash, poets and novelists have written about 
it, you will be finely taken in.” 

Mr. Page I hope you are as much mistaken in me, as 
you were in the book I threw down at your entrance, for 
that was Justin McCarthy’s ^History of Our Own Times.’ 
If you will give a few moments of your time, I will try to 
answer your question more fully, and in doing so, will have 
to infiict you with a brief sketch of my personal history. 
My parents died when I was an infant, and my guardians 
thought they were doing their duty if they looked after my 
bodily wants, and took good care of the large property I 
was one day to inherit. I was only indifferently educated, 
that is, I was not taught the uses of an education. At my 
majority my money, and no occupation, naturally threw 
me into club life, and that kind of society. I had no ob- 
ject, or aim, save to kill time, and the hours seemed to 
chase me like phantoms, and to escape them, I indulged 
in liquor to excess. One day, your nephew induced me to 
go home with him to dinner, there I first saw her, who G-od 
willing, I intend to make my wife ; somehow she took the 
scales from my eyes, and I saw a new world. She taught 
me the use of knowledge, and the solid pleasure to be de- 
rived from books. See ! I bought and read them, at her 
suggestion (here he pointed to a shelf, loaded with standard 
works). And this quiet woman, has worked such a miracle 
in me, that I fairly loathe my former life, and hope with 
her assistance to reach that higher plane where she would 
place me.” 

‘‘ Good gracious ! Is there no one to scold,” said the 
old gentleman, I don’t see that I am doing better with 
you, than with her. As you two are those who have to 
live together, I suppose you know best. Bring Mary to my 


ETHEL’S PEMPLEXITT. 


TT 


house to dinner, to-morrow, and then I will scold you both. 
Sharp six, mind you. We old bachelors are crochety about 
the hour. Lend me your arm to my carriage,” and leaning 
on Clarence’s arm he left the room. 


CHAPTER XXII. 

Me. Feakk Claek was seated in his office one morning 
at this period of this story, with an open letter in his hand, 
and a pleased expression on his face. It was from the State 
Department at Washington, and read as follows, omitting 
the formal headings : — 

SiE : — In answer to your inquiry of the 3d, I am 
directed by the Honorable Secretary to transmit to you 
the following extract, from the correspondence of L. S. 
Geddings, U. S. Consul at Metz, France. “Died at the 
Hotel de Nation, June 1st, an American, aged apparently 
about thirty ; his dress would indicate him to be a gentle- 
man, and his passport, as well as clothing, bore the name 
of Loraine Stedman. The landlord of the hotel states 
under oath, that he came to his house, some ten days before 
his death, accompanied by a woman ; who departed next 
morning, giving as an excuse for so doing, that she desired 
to fetch the rest of the party, but from that day, she has 
never been seen, although diligent search has been made for 
her. The day after the man’s arrival, he was taken so vio- 
lently sick a physician was summoned, who reported him 
fatally ill, from the inordinate use of stimulants. He left 
no means of any kind, and he was buried at the expense of 
this consulate, in whose possession, his clothing and effects 
remain.” 


78 


ETHEUS PERPLEXITY. 


‘‘Now Mrs. Lewis, I think I will answer your letter in 
such a way, as will make you cautious for the future,’’ mut- 
tered Mr. Clark, as he folded, and jDlaced the official letter 
in a drawer, and took a piece of note-paper from his port- 
folio ; but. he had scarcely dipped his pen into the ink be- 
fore the door opened and his clerk informed him a gentle- 
man wished to see him. 

“ Very well, show him in,” he said. And in a moment 
Mr. De la Rue made his appearance. 

“You wish to see me, my clerk informs me ; pray be 
seated.” 

“ Thank you,” replied De la Rue, “ I have something 
to say to you Mr. Clark, to which I must request your clos- 
est attention.” 

“ Well sir you have it,” interrupted Mr. Clark. 

“ I came sir, to demand of you either their money value 
or the bonds entrusted to your care, by Mrs. Stedman.” 

“ Do you take me to be a fool sir ?” said Mr. Clark. 

“No sir ; that is not the appellation I should give it ; 
and it is for that very reason, I feel convinced you will give 
me what I demand, before I leave this room.” 

“ How absurdly you talk. I showed you Mrs. Stedman’s 
order for her bonds, the last time you was here,” replied 
Clark, coolly lighting a cigar, and offering one to De la 
Rue which the latter declined. 

“ Pardon me, you did not,” said De la Rue. 

Rising from his chair, Mr. Clark went to his safe, opened 
a private drawer, and taking out the order, handed it to 
De la Rue, saying, “I showed you that, did I not ?” 

“ Oh yes I’ve seen that before,” continued De la Rue 
looking at it carelessly, “but that was never written by 
Mrs. Stedman.” 

“ What the d — 1 do you mean sir ?” shouted Clark. 

“Merely that, that order is forged,” quietly replied his 
companion. 

“ Do you think me such an infernal simpleton, as to 


ETHEL'S PERPLEXITY. 


79 


accept your unsupported word for that fact ? If it is 
forged, Stedman was the forger. You had better bring 
him here to prove it. Really Mr. De la Rue, if this is all 
you have to say to me, I must beg to be excused. I am 
very busy, and — ” 

‘‘ As I told you on entering this room, I expect those 
bonds or their equivalent before I leave, or there is an alter- 
native. I shall have Mr. Frank Clark arrested for forgery.” 

As De la Rue finished, Mr. Clark turned deadly pale, 
and placed his hand quickly to his thigh, but De la Rue’s 
eye was upon him, and he said sharply, Hold up your 
hands, or by heaven I will put a bullet through your brain. 
Now lay that pistol, on the end of that table. There, 
now, we shall get on better. Did you suppose I was such 
an ass as to come here unarmed ? If we are through with 
firearms, we will proceed to business. You are said to be a 
lawyer, and if you are one, you can appreciate what I have 
to say. My object is to recover those bonds, not to punish 
you, for I am not the public prosecutor. You know as well 
as I do, that sending you to Sing Sing, would not put the 
bonds in my possession, unless I could force those insur- 
ance companies to give them up. Very well, which do you 
prefer, to disgorge, or take the consequence.” 

‘‘1 have heard your bark ; it don’t frig^hten me a bit ; 
let me see your bite,” said Clark doggedly. 

Certainly,” replied De la Rue, taking out a bundle of 
papers. There is the affidavit of Beverly Hunter an ex- 
pert, (here Clark smiled), and this is another from James 
Pinkton, attached to which is a letter from Mrs. Lewis to 
you, (here Clark looked very much disturbed), and the last 
is an affidavit from that lady herself. In which she states 
the fact, of writing at your request, and at your dictation 
an assignment of a certain mortgage, to the Tenth Na- 
tional Life Insurance Company. There take the papers, 
look them over, and then decide, whether you will disgorge, 
or serve the State.” 


80 


ETHEL’S PERPLEXITY. 


Mr. Clark took the papers mechanically, and ran them 
over. Then said in a low voice, ‘‘ What do you demand 
^‘Before you attempted my life, I should have been con- 
tent with the mere return of the bonds, but now I want in- 
terest, expenses, and my fee of one thousand dollars.” 

That is impossible,” muttered Clark. It would beg- 
gar me.” 

I hope so,” said De la Rue, “ but I fear not, for this 
is not the only rascality you have been in.” 

Well, call in an hour, and I will try and have the 
bonds for you.” 

No sir, I shall not let you out of my sight, save in the 
custody of a police officer,” said De la Rue. 

How am I to get the bonds save I go for them ?” re- 
plied Clark. 

That is true. We will go together. Let that thing 
alone,” continued De la Rue as Clark approached his pis- 
tol. I have one that will do for both ;” and they left the 
office together. 


CHAPTER XXIII. 

Mes. Stedmai^ was one of those women who must 
have some one to lean on. And when her husband ab- 
sconded, she clung to the first staff that presented itself, 
and that staff happened to be, Eugene De la Rue. He had 
told her to call on him, for any money she might require, 
until he succeeded in recovering what was due her, and 
thus she became accustomed to go to him for advice, in all 
matters, connected with her household, and little, by little, 
it seemed necessary, to consult him, even about the dress, 
and management, of her child. The amount of stationery 


ETHEL’S PERPLEXITY. 


81 


she used, in writing these many questions, was something 
marvellous. Since De la Eue saved her from the trouble of 
thinking, she seemed to forget she had a husband, and was 
perfectly indifferent about his whereabouts. 

Not so with De la Rue, he felt the delicate position in 
which he was placed toward another man’s wife, and was 
very restive under it. But day by day his relations became 
more intimate, and he scarce knew how to break them off : 
.save he could hand Mrs. Stedman her bonds, and tell her 
his task was finished. He commenced by answering her 
notes by a personal call, but soon desisted, and sent answers 
by the bearer. This was unsatisfactory to Mrs. Stedman, 
and she called at his ofiBce, to save him trouble, as she ex- 
plained. Eugene could recall the time, when these visits 
would have been bliss to him, but he had grown to discover, 
the girl he once worshipped existed only in his imagination, 
and Ethel Stedman was not her human image. As far as 
Ethel was concerned, she seemed to forget the letter she 
once wrote, and their changed relations, and to think he 
felt for her the same as on the evening of her party. It 
was this position of affairs, that induced De la Rue to take 
the positive action, we have seen both with Mrs. Lewis, and 
Mr. Clark. 

One day Mr. Page called, and the following conversation 
took place, between that gentleman and his former ward. 

Well Mrs. Stedman, how do you get on ?” 

Nicely, don’t we baby ? Mr. De la Rue takes good care 
of us, don’t he darling ?” emphasizing the last remark by 
kissing her child. 

Mr. De la Rue taking care of you ? Why how is this, 
I don’t understand ?” said Mr. Page. 

Oh yes, we ask him for everything, don’t we baby ? 
and he just sends us the money.” 

‘^Good gracious, is the woman crazy. Does he come 
here to give you all this precious advice ?” conitnued the 
old gentleman. 


82 


ETHEL'S PERPLEXITY, 


Oh ! no sir, we used to send to him, baby and I, and 
he used to call in response, but 



him too much trouble, so now 


you think that is the better plan, sir 

“The most extraordinary condition of things I ever 
heard of,” muttered Mr. Page to himself. “ Do you mean 
to tell me De la Eue has been supplying you with money, 
ever since that scamp of a husband of yours, ran away ?” 

“ Certainly sir, we don’t know what we would have done, 
if it had not been for Mr. De la Eue, do we darling 

“ Permit me to ask, madam, why I was not applied to, 
instead of putting yourself under such unheard of obliga- 
tions to a stranger ?” demanded the old gentleman in a se- 
vere tone. 

“ Oh Mr. De la Eue don’t seem to mind it in the least, 
does he baby, and is always very nice, about all we ask him.” 

“ It was not about Mr. De la Eue I was thinking, pr car- 
ing,” continued the old gentleman, “ but about the reputa- 
tion of the woman for whom I was once guardian. Does 
Mary Poultney know of this ? Has she countenanced or 
advised it ?” 

“ Why she recommended us to employ him as a lawyer ; 
didn’t she darling ?” 

“ Of course, that was all right, but did she advise your 
receiving his money, and going to him for daily advice ?” 
demanded Mr. Page. 

“ I don t think we said anything to her about it, did we 
baby ?” 

“ I am glad of it, I am glad of it, that this precious busi- 
ness all emanated from your own brain, or pardon me, from 
the brain of yourself and that of the child of the immortal 
Stedman. I will call on Mr. De la Eue at once, and as I 
have some respect for the memory of your father, I beg that 
these daily consultations may cease, and if you need money, 
you will apply to me.” During the delivery of this speech 
the old gentleman walked up and down the parlor in a state 


ETHEL'S PERPLEXITY. 


83 


of considerable excitement, and at the end, seized his hat 
and left the house. 

Mr. Page was real cross, wasn’t he darling ; but Eu- 
gene don’t scold us a bit, no — not — the — least — bit,” — the 
interval between these words, were emphasized, by kisses on 
baby’s mouth. 

As Mr. Page left the house he said to himself, Ethel^ 
Ethel, you were always silly, but that baby has made you a 
full-fledged fool.” 


CHAPTER XXIV. 

Eugene De la Rue, and Mr. Clark, were in each others 
company, for quite a length of time, for the latter gentle- 
man had to sell a large amount of government bonds, be- 
fore he was in funds, to purchase back the bonds, and mort- 
gages, from the two insurance companies. After these were 
in Mr. Clark’s possession, he proposed they should go back 
to his office, and have the delivery made, and receipt 
drawn. To this Eugene acceded. Having closed the door, 
Mr. Clark, took the transfers to the insurance companies 
and destroyed them. 

‘‘Now sir,” he said, “ the objectionable papers on which 
you base your whole claim, have ceased to exist, and I think 
our positions toward each other are changed. I will give 
you these bonds for Mrs. Stedman provided you show me 
proper authority for so doing, but I will not pay you one 
cent more. You are doubtless a smart lawyer, but have 
overshot your mark. All evidence is in my hands, not 
yours.” 

I suspected something of this sort,” replied De la 
Rue. “Now mark my words, I will not abate one cent of 


84 


ETHEL'S PERPLEXITY. 


my former demand, and if you refuse it, prepare to take 
the consequence.” 

“ Words don’t frighten me a bit. I suppose you think 
I don’t know of your intrigue with Mrs. Stedman. Oh 
no, it would be rather awkward to have the husband turn 
up wouldn’t it ?” said Clark in a musing tone. 

‘‘Quite the contrary, it would be most agreeable, be- 
cause I am convinced his first act would be to give his dear 
friend Mr. Frank Clark, a richly deserved thrashing, for 
being one of the most unmitigated scoundrels unpunished,” 
remarked De la Kue quietly. 

“ Pardon me, I think Stedman would look after his 
honor before his money, and in that case his first delicate 
attentions would be paid to you,” said Clark. 

“ This is idle talk, and does not further the business I 
came upon,” continued De la Kue. “Mr. Clark I know 
you to be a knave, but I don’t think you are a fool. Now 
listen to me a moment. You fiatter yourself you have 
outwitted me. That only proves how shallow you profes- 
sional rogues are. While those bonds were in the hands of 
the insurance companies, I could only recover them, by a 
long litigation ; from you it is a matter of only a few hours ; 
besides they bear on their face an evidence of your fraud 
that would convict in any court in Christendom.” 

“That is false,” Clark broke in. 

“ It would be dangerous for a respectable man to tell 
me that, but you are privileged. Now I come to think of 
it, my fee of one thousand is too little ; I will make it two. 
Come draw your check, and let your boy have it certified, I 
can only spare you twenty minutes more.” 

“ D — n it, you talk as if you were master here,” said 
Clark in a rage. 

“ When a man commits a forgery, and lays the evidence 
of it openly before you, he is playing with fire when he 
provokes you to expose it to the world. You seem to have 
forgotten you forged Mr. Stedman’s signature to those 


ETHEV8 PERPLEXITY. 


85 


TDonds, to oblige the insurance companies,” replied De la 
Eue. 

Mr. Clark turned deadly pale, he had forgotten the sig- 
nature on the bond, when as he supposed he destroyed all 
evidence of his guilt, and found himself as deeply as ever 
in the toils. 

He tried to make better terms, with De la Rue, and to 
propitiate him told of Stedman’s death, but Eugene would 
not make the least change in his demands, until Clark 
promised to relieve the city, both of the presence of himself 
and Mrs. Lewis, provided the last thousand was not ex- 
acted. To this De la Rue finally agreed, and left Mr. 
Clark’s office, having in his possession that person’s certi- 
fied check, and Mrs. Stedman’s bonds and mortgages. 

Well tired by his exertion, he went to his own place of 
business, and found Mr. Page impatiently waiting him. 

Ah, how do, how do,” said the old gentleman, I 
have been to see my former ward, Mrs. Stedman, and am 
not pleased with your relations there ; entirely too intimate 
with another man’s wife ; yes sir, you are compromising her 
sir.” 

Glad to see you Mr. Page. Keep your seat. I will 
be with you in a moment,” said De la Rue stepping into an 
outer office, and giving Mr. Clark’s check to a clerk to be 
deposited, and then taking a seat by the side of his visitor, 
spoke as follows, I agree with you, Mr. Page, my position 
was becoming annoying and embarrassing, but as I have re- 
covered Mrs. Stedman’s bonds, I will now hand them over 
to you, and thus terminate my connection with her affairs.” 

‘‘You will do nothing of the kind,” replied the old gen- 
tleman quickly. “ She was trouble enough before she was 
married, but the combination of husband, and baby, is more 
than I can stand.” 

“Oh ! ” said De la Rue quietly, “ you need not be 
troubled about the husband ; he will never trouble any one 
again.” 


86 


MTHEU& PERPLEXITY. 


I don’t know about that ; I don’t know about that.” 
replied Mr. Page testily, “these scalawags are always tnrn- 
ing up, when one least expects it.” 

“ Dead people don’t ‘ turn up/ at least not in this 
world, and Loraine Stedman has ceased to exist, so there is 
no reason why you should not act,” continued Eugene. 

The conversation had taken an entirely different turn, 
from what Mr. Page expected, and he found himself in a 
very perplexing position ; but he determined under no cir- 
cumstances, to have those “ two fools,” as he inwardly 
called the mother and child, thrown on his hands. 

“You say Stedman is dead. Why don’t you marry the 
widow then. You are a bachelor, and it is high time yoa 
married,” remarked the old gentleman in desperation. 

“ It always takes two to make a bargain you know, and 
in this case, there are three, for baby would be one of the 
contracting parties,” replied De la Kue. 

“It is your duty sir to resume your old position, for the 
poor woman will sadly need a counsellor, for when I give 
her these bonds, I shall act on your advice, and have noth- 
ing further to do with her affairs.” 

“ Mr. De la Rue, understand me under no circumstan- 
ces, will I act again in my former capacity. You need not 
think you are going to let yourself out, and me in,” said 
the old man angrily. 

“ If that is the case,” said the lawyer, “ I am a little at 
a loss to understand what has given me the pleasure of this 
call. For years you have acted as Mrs. Stedman’s guardian, 
in fact have done more than any one else, to make her de- 
pendent on others, and now in her sorest need desert her. 
You kindly suggested I should marry her, and that it was 
high time I embarked in that enterprise. I feel the force 
of your argument, but can’t help thinking, if it applies to 
me it, with even greater force, applies to such an old gen- 
tleman, as yourself. And I ask why Mr. Page, don’t marry 
her himself ?” 


ETHEL’S PERPLEXITY. 


87 


I did not come here to be insulted sir/’ shouted the 
old gentleman, and I will relieve you of my presence. 
Marry sir, d — n it, the idea sends a shudder down my 
back.” 

And Mr. Page left the oiSice in high dudgeon. 

Mr. De la Rue had a hearty laugh at his expense, but 
nevertheless, determined to take the old gentleman’s advice, 
and sever his connection with Mrs. Stedman, at once. 


CHAPTER XXV. 

George Poultney, his sister and her companion, 
Clarence Raymond, were taking their usual cozy dinner the 
evening of the interview, between Mr. Page and Mr. De la 
Rue, when George suddenly remarked, Oh Mary I for- 
got to tell you, 1 met uncle in the street to-day ; he had 
been to see our friend De la Rue, who has succeeded in re- 
covering Ethel Stedman’s money. From some cause, the 
old gentleman was in by no means a happy frame of mind, 
wanted to know why we didn’t get married, so he could see 
us once in a while, but supposed we would wait till he was 
dead, no one did the way he wanted them to, he said ; why 
there is your friend De la Rue, high time he was settled in 
life, and just the woman he wants, ready to say yes, but no, 
of course he won’t ask Ethel.* Oh ! of course not ! and so 
it goes.” George took oif his uncle’s peculiar manner, so 
well they all laughed heartily. And continued George, 
The idea of one with such a splendid mind as Eugene, 
marrying that simpleton, and her baby.” 

I think it would be a hapjoy marriage, if they did,” 
replied Mary. 

Why Mary Poultney, how can you say so. Since you 


88 


ETHEUS PERPLEXITY. 


have been in love, your iudgment seems to be warped,” 
said George. 

Ah ! now you put me on my defence, and I shall re- 
venge myself, by quite a long speech,” rejoined Mary. 

Eugene De la Kue is a man of a very active brain. When 
not entirely engaged in his profession, he is fond of specu- 
lative subjects, and deep investigations. In a wife, he re- 
quires one who will give him rest, by drawing his mind into 
other, and simpler channels ; she is healthy, good-natured, 
and would accept all he said, as if it were the law of the 
Medes and the Persians. A man and wife can never 
argue on the subjects Eugene delights in, without heart- 
burning on at least one side. With the woman, heart al- 
ways takes part in the discussion, and is bruised in the en- 
counter. Ethel would look after his house, entertain his 
friends, and should heaven send them children, be a good 
mother. One other requisite she has strongly developed, 
she can hold her tongue, and look wise. If uncle Page in 
his bluntness has not frightened Eugene, I believe such a 
marriage is not impossible.” 

Mary, Mary, I believe uncle has converted you to his 
mode of thought, in regard to matrimony. You had bet- 
ter beware of her Clarence, while it is yet time.” 

‘‘ My dear George,” replied his future brother-in-law, 

I was just thinking how well your sister expressed my 
ideas ; and such being the case I don’t care where they 
come from. But there is one item of Mr. Page’s conversa- 
tion you both have overlooked, he urges our marriagei I 
second the motion, and have* a suggestion to make, it is 
this, that George Poultney, Esq., be appointed a committee 
of one, to bring Miss Susie Van Antwerp, to a meeting to 
be held in the parlor of this house, one hour hence, where 
this important matter will be discussed, and decided upon. 
All in favor of my motion, will please say aye.” 

And as George voted with him in the affirmative, he de- 
clared the proposition carried, and the meeting adjourned. 


ETHEL’S PERPLEXITY. 


89 


George brought Susie, and a well contested fight took 
place between the ladies and gentlemen, the former were 
for a delay of months, the latter urged days, and after a 
long discussion, a compromise was effected, and three 
weeks hence was decided on as the marriage day. 

The same evening of the eventful meeting in the parlors 
of the Poultney’s, Eugene De la Rue called on Mrs. Sted- 
man to hand her back her bonds, and give an account of 
his stewardship. Mrs. Stedman received him, as usual, 
with the baby on her arm, but the little thing was so fret- 
ful it sadly interfered with the attention she endeavored 
to pay to what Eugene had to say in regard to her affairs. 
To the announcement of Loraine’s death, she was perfectly 
indifferent. De la Rue did his best to make her .under- 
stand all about her affairs, and taking her securities out of 
a bag, laid them on the table before her, and rising said. 
Now I must bid you good-bye. If you will only follow 
out the suggestions I have given you, I think you will have 
no further trouble.” 

At this Ethel seemed to rouse herself. You don’t mean 
to leave those things here do you ?” pointing toward the 
bonds. 

Certainly,” he replied. 

What on earth will baby and I do with them ?” she 
queried ; beside we must owe you, ever so much for your 
trouble, please take them away and pay yourself.” 

You owe me nothing, I assure you. I made Mr. Clark 
pay all expenses,” continued the lawyer. 

At this moment the baby cried lustily, and Mrs. Sted- 
man walked up and down the room several times, to quiet 
it ; then said, See how unkind you are, you make baby 
cry, and its mamma feels like crying too.” 

I assure you I did not intend to be unkind, quite the 
reverse, and it is on your account more than my own, I take 
this course. The world is talking ; and I would shield 
Mrs. Stedman.” 


90 


ETHEL’S PERPLEXITY. 


We don’t care what the world says, do we baby ? 
The world can’t help us like Mr. De la Eue has,” here the 
infant cried terribly, and Eugene approached, took one of 
its little hands and looking at its face saw, what the mother 
had failed to notice, that it was seriously sick. 

^^Mrs. Stedman,” said Eugene, fear your child is 
very ill. I will send a doctor at once, and bring Mary 
Poultney to you.” 

My child ill,” said the poor mother almost distracted,, 
^‘then you would not have the heart to desert me now. 
Would you Eugene ?” she said this in the most suppli-^ 
eating manner, and unconsciously called him by his first 
name. 

The young man found it impossible to carry out his 
plan, at the moment, and when he went for the doctor he 
carried Mrs. Stedman’s bonds with him. 

In a short time the doctor came, and before he left 
Eugene returned with Mary Poultney. Then he and the 
physician left the house together. 

Well, doctor, what do you think of your patient ?” 
asked Eugene. 

‘^One can never tell about a child of that age, but I 
think there are two chances against one, she looses it. You 
see the disease is firmly established, and it is very fatal this 
year.” 

“What is the disease doctor ?” 

“ Scarlet fever,” he replied. 

“Will it be sudden ?” queried Eugene. 

“ Possibly a week,” he answered. 

Of course De la Rue could not refuse to be her coun- 
sellor, during the infant’s illness, in fact she treated Eugene 
as if he were the child’s father. And when death relieved 
the little creature’s suffering, the poor mother leaned so en- 
tirely on him, in her avalanche of grief, he had not the 
heart to withdraw his support ; and so matters went on, the 
brain advising one course of action, and the heart the other. 


ETHEUS PERPLEXITY. 


91 


and he found himself, much against his will, following the 
dictates of the latter, until at last there seemed but one 
honorable course for him to pursue. And yet he hesitated, 
and hesitation was fatal. 


CHAPTER XXVI. 

Mr. Page was delighted when he heard that the day 
was actually appointed for the two marriages ; for his part 
he said, he could never endure dilly-dallying. When one 
fully makes up their mind to do a thing, why not act at once 
and have done with it. Xow there is De la Rue, a man 
of remarkable decision of character, learned, and with all a 
good fellow, yet he acts like a stupid moth, circles around 
the flame, which will either scorch his wings and cause 
his ruin, or extinguish the light and thus defraud the world 
of one of its beacons.” 

The old gentleman made this remark to his nephew, 
whom he chanced to meet in the street. 

I am delighted to hear you are pleased sir,” said 
G-eorge. ‘‘And, here comes Eugene, to defend himself.” 

It was very evident Mr. Page was by no means anxious 
for the encounter, but he saw no way of avoiding it, as he 
had failed to see Mr. De la Rue until that gentleman was 
close upon them. 

“Just the parties I wanted to see,” exclaimed Eugene, 
shaking each cordially by the hand. “ So the day is fixed, 
and rapidly approaching, George. Well I declare it makes 
bachelors like your uncle and myself terribly envious ; 
don’t it Mr. Page ?” 

“ Speak for yourself sir,” replied the old gentleman 
gruffly. 


92 


ETHEL'S PERPLEXITY. 


^^That was just what I was going to do,” continued De 
la Rue. You see, George, I was retained in the great 
contest of ^ Heart, versus Brain,’ representing the de- 
fendant in the action, and found the old adage true, that 
^the man who is his own lawyer has a fool for his client,’ 
for I have been terribly beaten, and execution is out against 
me.” 

^^Put that in English won’t you,” said George. 
have a glimmering of what you mean, but it’s rather hazy.” 

Well then in plain words, I think the name of Sted- 
man a poor one for a pretty young widow to bear, and pro- 
pose with her consent to change it to De la Rue.” 

Mr. Page was greatly excited, took off his glasses, wiped 
them carefully. Then seized the young lawyer by the 
hand, and exclaimed, ‘‘You are a trump, sir, an honorable 
trump, sir, and I shall claim the privilege of giving the 
bride away.” 

“ My dear Eugene,” said George, “let me congratulate 
you from the bottom of my heart. Let us all be married 
at the same time. Dr. Beasly would be glad I am sure to 
add you to the number he is to make happy on that day.” 

“ Thank you George, but I don’t think I will trespass 
on the worthy dominie’s good-nature, you know he thinks 
me outside the pale, and as I am accustomed to it, think I 
will stay there. I am a lawyer, and will be married by the 
law, besides we don’t intend to marry before next winter. 
Well I must be off,” and De la Rue moved away. 

“ They say, on what authority I don’t know, that to be 
happy, we must wed our opposite. If the axiom is true, 
Ethel in her second venture, will reach the acme of con- 
nubial bliss. I made a mistake nephew, or by this time a 
second crop of little toddlers would be calling me grandpa. 
Ah, (and the old gentleman heaved a sigh), if Martha had 
only lived, it might have been different.” And Mr. Page, 
and George jumped into the former’s carriage, and were 
driven away. 


ETHEL' 8 PERPLEXITY. 


93 


In a short time the dual marriage took place, and each 
enjoyed for a short time that period of ecstasy called the 
honey-moon ; but Clarence maintained that with him that 
period had never ceased. 

Susie explained this to George by saying, ^‘You know 
dear Mary is ever so much older than her husband, and she 
has to be ever so agreeable to him, or Clarry might find it 
out.” 

What do you mean ? Do you think my sister would 
be so wicked as to deceive him about her age,” said George. 

No, you silly thing, of course not, only she never for- 
gets to act the agreeable, and amiable part.” 

George let the conversation drop but. thought how de- 
sirable it would be if other wives would do likewise. 

It was over a year before Eugene and Ethel married. 
It took him a long time to get the proof of Loraine’s death, 
and he was too good a lawyer to marry before this fact was 
placed beyond the shadow of a doubt, and it was well he 
was so cautious, for he discovered that Mr. Frank Clark had 
formed a plot, to have some one personate Loraine Sted- 
man, so he might blackmail and annoy. 

When last heard of Mr. Clark and Mrs. Lewis were to- 
gether in London, and from appearance it looked as if they 
had descended in the social scale. He kept a low gamb- 
ling saloon, and she was his assistant. 

Mary was right. 

Eugene found happiness in his marriage. He treated 
his wife like a child, and she enjoyed it, and after a time 
she became so imbued with his ideas, that almost uncon- 
sciously to herself she repeated his sayings, when he was 
absent, and passed for rather a bright woman. Heaven 
blessed them with a numerous family and all exhibited re- 
markable talent. 

And Eugene often told George he was glad the case in 
which he was both client and attorney, had been decided 
against him. 


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